Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, has officially announced his candidacy for Speaker of the House in the upcoming Congress. This decision follows the Democrats’ substantial victories in the recent midterm elections, reclaiming both the House and Senate during President Donald Trump’s term.
Jeffries addressed his fellow House Democrats in a letter on Wednesday, congratulating them on their electoral successes and seeking their support for his Speaker bid. He stated, “I write to humbly request your support in connection with my candidacy to serve as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.”
During a press conference alongside House Minority Whip Katherine Clark from Massachusetts and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar from California, Jeffries confirmed his intention to pursue the leadership role.
Democrats’ New House Control
The Democratic Party, having seized control of the House in what many termed a “Blue Tsunami,” is set to push for retribution against the Trump administration. Jeffries, speaking on Capitol Hill, seemed poised to face little opposition in securing the Speaker role, given his party’s wide majority in recent elections.
Democrats are currently projected to secure 237 seats, with Republicans holding 139, although 59 races remain undecided. Jeffries anticipates a total of at least 255 Democratic seats in the upcoming session of Congress.
Jeffries’ Vision and Critique of GOP Policies
In a detailed letter, Jeffries highlighted past achievements and laid out his vision for the coming two years. He emphasized the need for bipartisan solutions on affordability issues and criticized Republicans for failing to address rising living costs. He attributed rising costs to “toxic GOP policies,” such as Trump’s tariffs and actions in Iran.
Jeffries also promised “accountability” for the Trump administration, asserting that the House will serve as a check on what he described as an “out-of-control executive branch.” He plans to reverse Republican policies, restore Obamacare tax credits, and end Trump’s actions in Iran.
Commitment to American Values
Jeffries emphasized restoring American values like liberty, justice, equal protection under the law, and voting rights. He expressed his readiness to incorporate diverse perspectives within the Caucus, stating that House Democrats must deliver substantial change.
The leadership elections for House Democrats are scheduled for mid-December.
On the Republican side, figures such as House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan from Ohio and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise from Louisiana are contenders for the minority leader position in the upcoming Congress.
Elizabeth Elkind, politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covers the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind, and send tips to [email protected].
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