111th Congress, 2nd Session
The temporary appointment of North Carolina Representative Lindsay Warren as Majority Leader
September 19, 1940
On this date, newly elected Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn of Texas named Lindsay Warren of North Carolina temporary House Majority Leader. In the days following the death of Speaker William Bankhead of Alabama, Democrats expected a heated contest to fill the Majority Leader’s position left vacant by Rayburn’s ascension to the Speakership. The party had yet to decide whether it would caucus immediately to select a new leader or if it would wait until the start of the 77th Congress (1941–1943). Rayburn selected Warren to fill the temporary vacancy; Warren, already scheduled to retire from the House to accept a White House appointment, proved to be an ideal interim appointee. The Democratic Caucus met a week later on September 26 and elected John McCormack of Massachusetts Majority Leader over Representative Clifton A. Woodrum of Virginia, 141 to 67. McCormack briefly stated, “I consider it a trust to be exercised in the best interests of the Democratic Party and the country.” McCormack served as Majority Leader for nearly two decades, except for two Congresses when party control of the House switched: 80th Congress (1947–1949) and 83rd Congress (1953–1955). In the 87th Congress (1961–1963), following the death of Speaker Rayburn, McCormack became the 45th Speaker of the House.
Related Highlight Subjects
Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=244, (December 08, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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John McCormack of Massachusetts succeeded Sam Rayburn of Texas as Majority Leader in September 1940, following Rayburn’s ascension to the Speakership.
Oil on canvas, Victor Lallier, 1966, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives
Teaching Tip
Wielding the Gavel
Ask students to locate three stories pertaining to Speakers of the House. Have students select and conduct research on one of the Speakers using historical highlights and the Biographical Directory bibliography.
