PA Legislative Black Caucus announces new leadership
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus November 12, 2026 | 12:09 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today announced its new executive board for the 2027-28 legislative session, including newly elected Chair Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny.
“I am truly honored and humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me to lead and serve as chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus,” said Mayes. “I recognize that this role carries both a great responsibility and an opportunity to build upon the work of the founders and previous chairs and continue advocating for legislation and investments that create economic empowerment, healthcare access, and affordable housing in Black and Brown communities across the Commonwealth.
“I look forward to leading collaboratively with my fellow members to organize for racial, economic, and social justice; expand opportunities for good-paying union jobs; use our power for the greatest good as the moral conscience of the PA General Assembly; and ensure that the voices and concerns of the communities we represent remain at the forefront of our legislative work.
“My work thus far in the last four years as a state representative has included the passage of the Pennsylvania CROWN Act to end race-based hair discrimination, working with Speaker Joanna McClinton. The legislation became law on January 24, 2026, and included the building of the statewide PA CROWN Act Coalition; the creation and co-leadership of the groundbreaking and award-winning Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus with Representative Morgan Cephas and Representative Gina H. Curry in October 2023, which has resulted in seven bills becoming law and the greatest investments in Black and maternal health, totaling $38 million in our last state budget; the installation of the first nursing pod in the Capitol for breastfeeding mothers with Representative Jenn O’Mara; leadership in both the PLBC and PA Women’s Health Caucus as a subcommittee chair; and service on the Appropriations, Judiciary, Health, Housing, and Human Services committees.
“As Black Caucus chair, I will lead with vision, intention, and purpose. I am committed to building on the founders’ 50-plus-year vision to leverage collective action, be a powerful voice for social justice, and organize for racial justice.”
Along with Mayes as chair, the rest of the executive board includes:
- Rep. Andre Carroll, D-Phila., vice chair
- Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila., secretary
- Rep.-elect Sierra McNeil, D-Phila., treasurer
“This leadership role represents more than just a personal achievement for me,” said Carroll. “It is an opportunity to elevate Black voices across our great Commonwealth and to ensure that we remain committed to justice and opportunity for all. At a time when long-overdue advocacy and meaningful outcomes for Black communities are needed more than ever, I am honored to help lead that work and build on the progress of those who came before us.
“I am especially mindful of the legacy of my predecessor, David P. Richardson, a founding member of this caucus whose leadership and vision helped lay the foundation for the work we continue today. I am humbled by the trust my colleagues have placed in me and eager to work alongside them to address racial disparities and deliver positive change for the people we represent. I hope to be someone the younger version of myself could look up to and see as proof that leadership and service are possible for the next generation.”
“It’s deeply meaningful to me to be part of this leadership team for the PLBC,” said Green. “I look forward to guiding the caucus agenda to uplift our communities, fight for working families, and maintain the tradition of Black excellence in Pennsylvania.”
“I am honored to be entrusted by my colleagues with this position as I start my career in Harrisburg,” said McNeil. “I look forward to beginning the work of serving my neighbors in the 195th District and Black Pennsylvanians across our Commonwealth.”
During the 2027-28 legislative session, the Black Caucus, which is open to all members of color, is expected to have 41 members, including five newly elected state representatives.