If the Democratic Party wins the upcoming midterm elections in November and regains control of the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is likely to become the first Black House Speaker in January, according to a report by The Washington Post on October 22.
The report states that the Democrats need to maintain their current seats and gain just three additional ones to reclaim the majority.
Recent polls also indicate a strong possibility for the Democrats to return to power.
This outlook is influenced by ongoing challenges faced by the ruling Republican Party, particularly the fallout from various 'Trump-related issues.' President Donald Trump's approval ratings have dropped to the low 30s amid persistent inflation and unstable foreign policy, creating a challenging environment for the Republicans as the midterm elections approach.
The Washington Post noted that as the election nears, Jeffries' real challenge is not just about making history as the first Black House Speaker but also about uniting a party that has become ideologically diverse.
In interviews with 20 congressional aides and lawmakers, Jeffries is described as a strategic leader with strong communication skills. Colleagues report that he is extremely cautious and deliberative in his approach.
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) stated, "Hakeem makes everyone feel their opinions are respected and works hard to understand where they are coming from. He will need to be stronger when he gets to the Speaker's position, and he will be."
Jeffries, who hails from Brooklyn, New York, graduated from Binghamton University, earned a master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University, and graduated from New York University School of Law. He first ran for the New York State Assembly in 2000, entered the state legislature in 2006, and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, marking his entry into Washington politics. Although there were rumors of a potential run for New York City mayor, he focused on establishing himself in the House leadership.
In 2018, he became the chair of the House Democratic Caucus, ranking fifth among House Democrats, and in 2022, he was elected as the first Black leader of the House Democrats.
A close aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, described Jeffries as "more consensus-oriented than any previous Speaker." Rather than pushing the party in a specific direction, he is known for his cautious style, waiting for members' opinions to coalesce.
This approach has also led to some discontent within the party. Notably, when two Democratic lawmakers sided with Republicans during a vote without prior coordination, calls for disciplinary action arose, but Jeffries only offered a general statement about the need for a serious response, raising concerns about party discipline.
As a prominent pro-Israel figure, he faces criticism from progressive factions for not heeding calls from key supporters to halt aid to the Israeli government. While the ideological spectrum within the party has widened, Democrats are reportedly wary of the kind of pressure leadership exerted during Nancy Pelosi's tenure.
Moderate Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA) remarked, "I do not react to those who hit my arm; my response to those who hit my arm is to endure even more."
The Washington Post concluded that Jeffries' success as Speaker will depend on how he manages a potentially unstable majority.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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