The Joint Center Commends Sen. Tim Scott for Promoting Josh Grant to Legislative Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2024

Contact:
Chandra Hayslett, chandra@jointcenter.org

The Joint Center Commends Sen. Tim Scott for Promoting Josh Grant to Legislative Director​​

WASHINGTON — The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies applauds Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) for promoting Joshua “Josh” Grant to the role of legislative director.

Prior to this new appointment, Grant served as the senior policy director for Sen. Scott, and was previously policy director for Tim Scott for America. He is a graduate of Benedict College, a South Carolina historically Black college, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science and government.

“I’m excited to see Mr. Grant excel in such a significant role in the Senate, especially given that our most recent research found that just over two percent of Black staff hold top staff Senate positions,” said Joint Center Senior Researcher Dr. LaShonda Brenson. “We commend Senator Scott for promoting his staff into senior positions within his personal office and for his commitment to increasing the diversity of congressional top staff. This effort is essential to ensuring Senate top staff reflects the diversity of the American population. We urge other senators to follow his lead, invest in their staff, and actively recruit and promote candidates of color to ensure our voices are being heard throughout Congress.”

With the addition of Grant, Black staff account for nine (or 2.6 percent) of the approximately 340 top Senate staffers in Washington, DC who serve as chiefs of staff, legislative directors, communications directors, or full committee staff directors. Black Americans account for over 13 percent of the U.S. population.

About the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.