![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/2021sandersbio.jpg?itok=FLrorZAv)
Senator Sanders Congratulates Former Staffer on Becoming First Black Woman and Member of the LGBTQ Community to Be Named White House Press Secretary
May 6, 2022
![Deputy White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will replace Jen Psaki in the high-profile Press Secretary role beginning next week. (White House photo by Katie Ricks)](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/sanders_sd10_jean_pierre.jpg?itok=_-p5MP6c)
State Senator James Sanders Jr. said: “I would like to sincerely congratulate Queens Village native Karine Jean-Pierre, my former staffer during my time as a City Council Member, for being named the new White House Press Secretary making her the first black woman and member of the LGBTQ community to fill the role. I saw great potential in her when she held a leadership role on my staff and I see great potential in her now. This is such a momentous step forward for so many groups who have been marginalized in the past and creates a more diverse team in the presidential administration, demonstrating that President Biden is dedicated to surrounding himself with people who are representative of the diverse population of this country.”