DeBerry would probably be the most conservative of the candidates from what I understand, but he'd be going from majority status in the House to minority in the Senate. It's inevitable that the GOP will gain control of the House within a couple election cycles, so DeBerry is likely reasoning that he'd be better off remaining there with his chairmanship until that happens.
I guess the Ford family can't risk allowing that seat to go unfilled by a family member. After all, having lots of family noses in the trough makes it harder for others to push their way in and wet their own beaks.
The Fords, another great American Crime family.
So, Ophelia is moving into the funeral home?