Diversity Lacking in GOP Leadership Despite Claims of Progress

House Republican leadership is largely white, male, and anchored in the South, and could hamper the party’s ability to appeal to an increasingly diverse nation. That profile stands in sharp contrast to the previous Democratically controlled chamber where minorities and women played larger roles.

Despite promises by Republicans over the decades to diversify their ranks and better reflect changing national demographics, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and his lieutenants haven’t diversified the top of congressional committees that have huge influence over Americans of all stripes on issues ranging from taxes to housing and transportation.

The lack of diversity could hinder Republicans’ ...