Sen. Mike Lee's (R-UT) attempt to showcase Republican diversity by posting photos of the only four Black House Republicans was undermined by their collective departure from Congress.
Reps. Wesley Hunt of Texas, John James of Michigan, Byron Donalds of Florida, and Burgess Owens of Utah are all leaving Capitol Hill, with no Black Republican candidates likely to replace them. By January 2027 Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina will remain the sole Black Republican on Capitol Hill.
The four were recruited by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy to diversify the GOP following 2018 Democratic gains.
Their exodus coincides with President Donald Trump's administration attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Critics argue the departures reveal the party's true priorities.
"It's going to be really hard for even the most conservative Black Republican to look at this Republican Party and defend it," said Chris Taylor, senior adviser to the Congressional Black Caucus PAC.
"This is a Republican Party that is at war with Black America."
"The message from today's Republican Party is clear: Black faces are welcome as spokespeople, but Black political power itself is treated like a threat," said Markus Batchelor, national political director at People For the American Way.
Watch the video below.
