WASHINGTON — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York formally launched his bid for speaker of the House on Wednesday, a day after Democrats secured enough seats to reclaim control of the chamber in Tuesday's midterm elections and positioned him to become the first Black speaker.1,3,5
Jeffries announced his candidacy in a letter to colleagues obtained by Axios, writing that he sought their support to serve as the next speaker. He is widely expected to secure the gavel when the new Congress convenes in January, and he would be the first African American to hold the post.3,5
"I write to humbly request your support in connection with my candidacy to serve as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives," Jeffries wrote. In the same letter, he added, "We must now deliver the dramatic change the American people are demanding in the majority."3
Jeffries wrote that every member of the new majority would have a part in governing, saying that "every single member of our majority will play a meaningful role." He said his goal was to empower House Democrats to "act decisively in three key areas: (1) Affordability (2) Accountability and (3) American Values."3
Jeffries, who was first elected to Congress in 2012, has led the House Democratic caucus since former Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California stepped down in 2022.3
While some incoming progressive and red-district Democrats have declined to commit to supporting Jeffries for speaker, he is not expected to face any serious opposition for the role. The size of the majority Democrats won on Tuesday will further help to insulate him from any would-be opponents within his caucus.3
Jeffries' senior leadership team is similarly expected to run without opposition. Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts is expected to seek the post of majority leader, while Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar of California is expected to seek the post of majority whip.3
The rest of the expected slate includes Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu of California for Democratic caucus chair and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse of Colorado for assistant speaker. Axios posted the full text of the Jeffries letter through DocumentCloud alongside its account of the announcement.3
Jeffries was at DCCC headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday and was set to speak Wednesday after Democrats secured enough seats to reclaim control of the House in Tuesday's midterm elections.3,5
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise is set to run for minority leader, and Rep. Jim Jordan has also announced he will run for minority leader. Outgoing Speaker Mike Johnson is bowing out of leadership after the House Republican defeat and said Republicans would seek to retake the House in 2028.3,5
