Mfume sworn in to succeed Cummings
WASHINGTON — Maryland Democrat Kweisi Mfume rejoined the U.S. House on Tuesday to replace the late Rep. Elijah Cummings, taking his oath of office with a protective mask in his left hand, the latest symbol of how Congress and the country are adjusting to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mfume will represent a majority-black Baltimore-area district that has been hit hard by the virus and the near shutdown of the area’s economy. It’s the area that President Donald Trump insulted last year as a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess.”
Mfume, 71, raised his right hand and took the oath from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., a week after he was easily elected to complete Cummings’ two-year term. Cummings, who was 68, died in October during his 12th term in office.
Mfume served in the House from 1987-96, when he left to become chairman of the NAACP. He led the civil rights organization until 2004. He is expected to be reelected this fall for a full two-year term that would begin in January.
Mfume’s swearing in leaves the House with 233 Democrats, 196 Republicans and one independent.