Hakeem Jeffries set to lead House as Democrats return to majority

Voters in New York City and across the country have elected Hakeem Jeffries to a position that places him in line to become the first Black speaker of the US House of Representatives. The role grants him authority over the legislative agenda for the 435-member chamber and makes him second in the presidential line of succession, behind Vice President JD Vance.

Jeffries, 56, represents a New York congressional district and will preside over a Democratic majority that takes office in the first week of January. This shift ends four years of Republican control. As of late Tuesday, officials were still counting votes, so the exact margin of the Democratic victory remains unknown.

In a victory speech delivered late Tuesday, Jeffries declared that the American people had spoken against extremism and corruption. He pledged to reverse deep spending cuts to Medicaid, a healthcare program for low-income individuals and people with disabilities, which were signed into law on July 4, 2025. He described the election as the start of a political comeback for his party.

Securing the speakership requires internal party unity. Although multiple Democratic aides say no other candidate poses a serious challenge, Jeffries must secure votes from progressive members who have outlined specific demands. Representative-elect Darializa Avila Chevalier of New York, for example, did not commit to supporting him in a September interview. She listed requirements for the next speaker, including voting rights reforms, public housing investments, universal healthcare, and blocking offensive weapons sales to Israel.

Jeffries is viewed as a moderate on Israel policy. He voted against ending US military aid to Israel in July, a decision that went against nearly half of his caucus. He has criticized the war in Gaza and called for a reset in relations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, yet pro-Israel groups like AIPAC remain major contributors to his campaign. He has also expressed skepticism toward Medicare for All proposals, which some moderates view as too costly.

A senior House Democratic aide said the new leadership could begin with bills designed to unite the party. These include an expanded child tax credit, a housing tax credit, ending the war in Iran, restoring clean energy subsidies, and renewing healthcare subsidies. More difficult issues, such as raising the debt limit and funding the government, will likely require Republican cooperation and may face vetoes from President Donald Trump.

Jeffries has also stated that Democrats will investigate the Trump administration's interactions with corporate executives and campaign donors. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, expected to chair the House Committee on Oversight, advised the administration to lawyer up. The full House will vote to select the 57th speaker in late November, with Republicans expected to nominate a candidate who will likely lose the vote.