Nancy Pelosi Congratulates Hakeem Jeffries on Historic Speaker Bid

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries declared a great American comeback as Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.

Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries celebrated the sweeping midterm outcome as an American tsunami, pointing to upsets across Republican strongholds that expanded the party’s reach. Jeffries officially launched his bid for speaker on Tuesday, writing to colleagues to request their support as the party prepares to claim the majority when the new Congress convenes on Jan. 3.

Jeffries Claims Historic Path to Gavel

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued a statement congratulating Jeffries, noting that exactly twenty years after she became the first woman to hold the gavel, he will achieve another milestone for the chamber. With AP News projecting the Democratic majority, Jeffries is poised to make history as the nation’s first Black speaker of the House. As speaker, Jeffries would be second in the presidential line of succession, following the vice president.

Speaker Hakeem Jeffries.

— https://x.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/2117817337349087397

Jeffries has led House Democrats since January 2023, stepping into the role after Pelosi stepped down in 2022. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he has represented parts of the borough in Congress since 2013 and served as a leader in both the influential Congressional Black Caucus and the House Democratic caucus. The 56-year-old leader is known for sprinkling old-school hip-hop lyrics into his freestyle remarks.

Leader Sets Focus on Cost of Living

We ran on affordability. We won on affordability, and now it’s our job to govern on affordability, he said during an appearance on MS NOW’s Morning Joe. Addressing supporters in Washington, Jeffries emphasized that the new majority intends to tackle the cost of living. He added that the American public expects results rather than partisan retribution, noting that the American people don’t want us to get even; they want us to get things done on their behalf because life is way too expensive.

Princeton historian Kevin Kruse criticized Jeffries while sharing a post warning officials to “Lawyer up,” while progressive commentator Brian Tyler Cohen argued that delivering for voters and investigating abuses of power should work together. That stance drew immediate scrutiny from some progressive allies and commentators.

Caucus Prepares for Majority Control

The slate includes Minority Whip Katherine Clark for majority leader, Democratic Caucus chair Pete Aguilar for majority whip, Democratic Caucus vice chair Ted Lieu for caucus chair, and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse for assistant speaker, as Axios reported. Jeffries’ senior leadership team is expected to run uncontested for the upcoming congressional term.

Photo: Apnews

State Sen. Jabari Brisport, a DSA member whose district overlaps with Jeffries, said that in his six years in office, he has never had a single conversation with the congressmember. Jeffries himself noted in 2021 regarding the party’s far-left wing that there will never be a moment where he bends the knee to hard-left democratic socialism. At the same time, the incoming caucus faces internal debates over its ideological direction.

When asked by CNN about impeaching President Trump, Jeffries stated that not a single member of the House Democratic Caucus had broached the subject with him, reinforcing that the immediate agenda centers on economic relief and lowering everyday expenses.

More on Nancy Pelosi

Paul Pelosi Banned From Driving for Six Months After Hit-and-Run Plea