People of color account for 44 percent of Democratic voters, but only 28.3 percent of Democratic Senate personal office top staff.
People of color make up 21 percent of Republican voters and 6.6 percent of Republican Senate personal office top staff.
Why It Matters
An increase in diversity among top staff would allow members to more effectively represent their constituents. The perspectives and leadership from racially diverse senior staff will be particularly essential to dismantling structural inequality in Congress.
Chief of Staff
Legislative Director
Communications Director
Top personal office staff and top committee staff in Washington, DC influence lawmaking, spending, and staffing by:
Overseeing federal agencies with over 4.1 million civilian and military employees
Shaping the $6.1 trillion U.S. federal budget
Drafting laws
Providing input into confirmation of federal judges and agency appointees
Hiring, managing, and dismissing congressional staff
The Solution
What can be done?