Study Links Congress Members' Wealth to Slave-Owning Ancestors

A recent study has revealed a significant correlation between the wealth of U.S. Congress members and their ancestral ties to slavery. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Case Western Reserve University found that congressional leaders descended from slave owners have an average net worth of $1.28 million, starkly contrasting with the less than $100,000 net worth of their peers without such heritage. The study highlights that the number of slaves owned by ancestors also plays a role, with those whose ancestors owned at least 16 slaves boasting a net worth of $3.93 million more than those without such connections. The research indicates that 100 out of 535 Congress members, or approximately 19%, are descendants of slave owners, with 8% of Democrats and 28% of Republicans falling into this category. Prominent figures such as Senator Mitch McConnell and Senator Jeanne Shaheen are among those linked to slave-owning ancestors, with McConnell's lineage tracing back to a slave owner who enslaved 12 individuals. The study emphasizes that the legacy of slavery continues to influence American society, including the political landscape. Published in PLOS, the study examined the ancestry of Congress members dating back to the nation’s founding in 1776, marking a first in linking generational wealth to slavery. The average age of these Congress members is nearly 60, with a predominance of white men. The researchers argue that understanding these wealth disparities is crucial for fostering discussions on economic equity and motivating legislative action to address historical injustices.