Hakeem Jeffries could become first Black Speaker of the US House as Democrats take majority

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is set for a House-wide vote on Jan. 3. The ballot will happen when the new Congress meets. Democrats won control of the chamber in the midterm elections. If colleagues nominate and elect Jeffries, Jeffries would become the first Black speaker of the House.

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The role is second in line to the president. It is also the only top post in Congress required by the US Constitution. Jeffries was cheered with "Speaker! Speaker!\" at a Democratic watch party in Washington. \"This is not a partisan moment. This is a patriotic one,\" Jeffries said.

Hakeem Jeffries speaker vote and historic first

Jeffries would take the gavel at the domed Capitol, built partly by enslaved African Americans. Supporters see that as a milestone more than 150 years in the making. The story links back to Reconstruction. It began when the first Black American entered the US House after the Civil War.

Jeffries would lead as some major civil rights gains face new challenges. Those disputes often involve the Trump administration. Jeffries said Democrats saw public demand for major change. \"We hear you,\" Jeffries said. \"Were going to work hard to deliver on the dramatic change that you deserve.\"

Hakeem Jeffries speaker agenda and Trump oversight

In a letter to House Democrats on Wednesday, Jeffries signalled interest in the post. \"America is back!\" Jeffries wrote. Jeffries said the next Congress should act in three areas. Those areas were affordability, accountability and American values. Jeffries also promised a strong 100-day agenda.

Plans include steps to cut living costs and start oversight and investigations. Those efforts would aim to hold the Trump administration to account. Impeachment was described as an option. Jeffries would replace Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican. Democrats would then face President Donald Trumps final two years in office.

The president has mocked Jeffries in public and private. Jeffries is a New York University-educated lawyer. Jeffries has served in Congress since 2013. Jeffries is also the highest-ranking Black elected official in America. Trump once posted a fake photo of Jeffries in a sombrero outside the White House.

Hakeem Jeffries speaker leadership team in House majority

The House votes for speaker early in January business. Before that, parties usually pick leaders in internal caucus votes in November. Jeffries has led House Democrats for four years. Nancy Pelosi backed Jeffries after stepping aside. Pelosi did so after the Democrats election losses in 2022.

Jeffries is expected to lead alongside Rep. Katherine Clark and Rep. Pete Aguilar. The trio has often worked closely as a next-generation team. Clark is expected to be majority leader. Aguilar is expected to be majority whip. Jeffries would be the first Democratic speaker since Nancy Pelosi.

The new majority could test Jeffries quickly. Jeffries would need to manage the often unruly House. Democrats also include new members pushing the party left. Some are backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Still, the New Democrat Coalition is expected to remain the biggest caucus.

Jeffries and the leadership team want to show voters Democrats can govern. They want to avoid the disorder that often weakened Johnsons narrow GOP majority. Allies describe Jeffries as collaborative and a careful listener. Critics say Jeffries can move too slowly during fast-moving political crises.

Several issues are expected to shape the agenda. They include rising healthcare costs and higher gas prices. Grocery prices are also a key concern. Other issues include the war in Iran and Trumps ties with Putin over Ukraine. Concerns about corruption are also high on the list.

Hakeem Jeffries speaker biography from Brooklyn to Congress

Jeffries is 56 and was born in Brooklyn. Jeffries is known for using old-school hip-hop lyrics in unscripted remarks. Jeffries told The Associated Press that the crack epidemic shaped Jeffries early outlook. Jeffries said it built a drive to improve life for hard-working people in struggling areas.

Jeffries is the child of an Air Force veteran and a social worker. Jeffries is married and has two children. Jeffries grew up with Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn. Jeffries represents parts of a district once held by Rep. Shirley Chisholm. Jeffries later entered politics after years in law.

Jeffries earned degrees from several schools. Jeffries received a bachelors from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Jeffries earned a masters in public policy at Georgetown. Jeffries graduated magna cum laude from NYU School of Law. Jeffries worked as a corporate lawyer and served in the state assembly.

Jeffries entered elections early but faced setbacks. Jeffries first ran at 29 and lost twice in state races. In 2012, Jeffries challenged a 30-year House incumbent. The incumbent stepped aside and Jeffries won the seat. Jeffries later became a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

The history Jeffries follows includes Joseph Rainey. Rainey was the first Black American elected to the House, in 1870. Rainey never became speaker. Still, Rainey was the first Black lawmaker to preside with the gavel over the House chamber. Jeffries now awaits the Jan. 3 vote.

With inputs from PTI