President Biden and Diversity in Executive Appointments

The representativeness of decision-making bodies relative to the population governed is a crucial factor for legitimacy. Most often, this principle is applied to elected bodies, but it equally pertains to appointed public officials. American presidents nominate individuals to lead executive bureaucracies that, in turn, influence and implement policy. However, in order to serve in these positions, nominees must pass through the constitutionally required Senate confirmation process. Using data from the full Biden administration, we explore how identity influences nominees’ experience of the appointments process and ultimately impacts the representativeness of American bureaucracies. The Biden administration represents a unique case, where a campaign promise to promote diversity in appointments led to a historic shift in nomination practice. Within these favorable conditions, we show that the Senate still serves as an obstacle to appointing a diverse slate of high-level officials, both in terms of delaying and denying such appointments. Evidence also suggests that group stereotypes continue to influence appointee placements. Our findings demonstrate the influence of individual characteristics beyond ideology in appointment politics and advance our understanding of identity within American institutions.