Rep. Troy Carter: The Possible Next CBC Chair on Electing the First Black Speaker | At Our Table

We sit down with Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter, first vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and a candidate to lead it in the next Congress. Raised by a single mother who went back to school at Xavier University with six children in tow and taught for 40 years, he brings a servant's view of power: you don't need a title to lead.

We discuss what electing Hakeem Jeffries the first Black speaker would mean, what he told Speaker Mike Johnson, what presidential candidates must show Black voters, and why the CBC's disagreements are "a gumbo," not a weakness, while confronting a hard truth: Louisiana is red not for lack of votes, but because the party hasn't invested in cultivating them. His challenge is clear: invest in the South and vote like this is "the real deal." (1:52) Six Kids, One Mom & a Degree From Xavier (5:18) "You Don't Have to Have a Title to Lead" (7:54) One Grain of Rice, Six Ways: The Small Bowl 10:47) Electing Hakeem Jeffries the First Black Speaker (13:25) What He Told Speaker Mike Johnson (15:05) Discharge Petitions & "Buckle Up, America" (19:08) How He'd Lead the Congressional Black Caucus (21:02) "Put Your Popcorn Away": The CBC Is a Gumbo (23:16) What Presidential Candidates Owe Black Voters (28:18) Why Louisiana Is Red: "A Lack of Participation" (30:06) John Willis Menard: Elected but Never Seated (32:20) Rebuilding the Democratic Party in the South (34:36) Sit Your Ass Down Award: Pete Hegseth (36:45) A Fannie Lou Hamer Moment Before You Vote Learn more about your ad choices.

Visit