Fed's Lael Brainard among leading contenders for top White House economic post

Key Points

• Federal Reserve Vice Chair Lael Brainard is considered a leading candidate to succeed National Economic Council Director Brian Deece when he leaves, the Washington Post reported.
• Brainard could garner support from progressives who are in favor of strong bank regulation and easier monetary policy.
• If chosen, Brainard would take over with the U.S. economy seemingly on the brink of recession.

Lael Brainard, vice chair of the US Federal Reserve, listens to a question during an interview in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022.

Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Federal Reserve Vice Chair Lael Brainard is a top candidate to take the most important economic position in the White House.

The central bank official is considered one of the strongest contenders, among a host of others, to succeed Brian Deece as director of the National Economic Council, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Washington Post first reported the story, citing three sources with knowledge of the process.