House Democrats elect Hakeem Jeffries as next leader

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was elected leader of the House Democrats, becoming the first black person to serve as party leader in Congress.

Jeffries will replace House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as party leader after she announced earlier this month that she would not take the post after a 20-year term, telling members it was time for a new generation. The Democrats will be outnumbered in the next Congress, although the Republicans will have a slim majority after an unexpectedly poor midterm result.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Jeffrie’s entry into the top role was a “watershed moment in US Congressional history.”

He said he has known Jeffries since the days he was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2006. “When I first met him, I thought the same way I did when I first met Speaker Pelosi: Here’s someone who has everything. Schumer said.

Jeffries (52) has served as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus since 2019 and previously co-chairman of the House’s Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. In 2012 he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time.

“We look forward to finding ways to cooperate and cooperate across the aisle when possible, but we will also counter extremism where necessary,” Jeffries told reporters after his election.

Democrats also have Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) as party whip and Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) elected caucus president.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) also announced he will not seek a leadership position, while Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) said he would not seek the no. 3-role not seeking, but will try to stay at the “leading table” as deputy democratic leader.

Pelosi will continue to serve in the next Congress, and House Democrats voted to give her the honorary title of Speaker Emeritus.

Pelosi said in a statement: “Together, this new generation of leaders reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our great nation — and they will reinvigorate our caucus with their renewed energy, ideas and perspective.”

Jeffries told reporters it was a “blessing we embrace” to still have Pelosi, Hoyer and Clyburn in Congress.

“We stand on their shoulders and look forward to continuing to get things done for Americans in everyday life,” he said.