Biography

Emanuel Cleaver II, born on October 26, 1944, in Waxahachie, Texas, is a United Methodist pastor and Democratic politician representing Missouri's 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2005. Raised in a public housing project in Wichita Falls, Texas, Cleaver moved to Kansas City, Missouri, after completing his education. He served as the city's first African American mayor from 1991 to 1999, focusing on economic development and infrastructure improvements.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Prairie View A&M University, 1968.
• Master of Divinity from St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, 1974.

Political Experience

• Kansas City City Councilman: Served from 1979 to 1991, including roles as chairman of the Plans and Zoning Committee and the Policy and Rules Committee .
• Mayor of Kansas City: Elected in 1991, serving two terms until 1999. As mayor, Cleaver was instrumental in stimulating economic growth, improving infrastructure, and initiating youth outreach programs to combat crime.
• U.S. Representative for Missouri's 5th District: Elected in 2004 and has been serving since. In Congress, Cleaver has held several notable positions:
  • Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus: 2011–2013.
  • Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance: As of 2025.
  • Member of the House Committee on Financial Services.

Throughout his tenure, Cleaver has been recognized for his commitment to civility and bipartisanship, as well as his efforts in economic development and housing reform.