Hakeem Jeffries launches bid to become first Black House speaker after Democrats’ midterm victory
WASHINGTON, DC: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has formally announced his bid to become the next Speaker of the US House of Representatives after Democrats won control of the chamber in the 2026 midterm elections. Jeffries, a New York Democrat, sent a letter to his colleagues on Wednesday, November 4, seeking support from incoming members of Congress for his candidacy.
Jeffries is widely expected to win the position, potentially becoming the first Black politician to serve as House Speaker. His announcement comes after Democrats captured the House and Senate in a major setback for President Donald Trump and Republicans. If elected, Jeffries will succeed Republican Mike Johnson when the 120th Congress convenes in January 2027.
Hakeem Jeffries outlines affordability and accountability agenda in speaker bid
The House Democratic leader formally sought his colleagues' backing in a letter on Wednesday, according to ABC News. The party is scheduled to hold its leadership elections behind closed doors on November 18.
“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.
His pitch focused on the financial pressures facing American households, with affordability, accountability and American values identified as priorities for the incoming Congress.
"In the new Congress, we will aggressively fight for an affordable America. Life is way too expensive, and millions of hardworking taxpayers are drowning in this failed economy," he said in the letter.
Jeffries also declared, "America is back," and said Democrats must deliver the change voters demanded after the party's midterm victories. He outlined three priorities for the new Congress: affordability, accountability and American values.
He also called for an end to the war in Iran, saying the conflict had driven up gas prices and damaged US national security. Jeffries said Democrats would try to work with Republicans when possible but also planned to use their new majority to push back against the administration.
He vowed to increase congressional oversight of the Trump administration, address corruption and price gouging allegations, and enact legislation to prevent members of Congress from trading stocks. He also called for greater protections for voting rights, equal treatment under the law and the country's tradition as a nation of immigrants.
Mike Johnson steps aside from House GOP leadership after midterm losses
Johnson has decided he won't run for House minority leader after Republicans lost their majority. He informed his staff of the decision on Wednesday, according to reports from the New York Post and Axios.
Johnson became speaker in October 2023 after Kevin McCarthy was ousted. At the time, he said he wanted to remain in GOP leadership even if the party lost control of the chamber. He now plans to keep his congressional seat after winning reelection, but his decision sets the stage for a Republican leadership race.
Johnson, who was elected to a sixth House term on Tuesday, is expected to remain in Congress despite stepping down from leadership, a source said.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) have both said they plan to run for GOP leader. Both previously vied unsuccessfully to replace McCarthy.
"For too long, we have operated without a clear plan to survive the hour or the day in front of us. That will not cut it against an emboldened and energetic Democrat majority," Jordan wrote to his colleagues in a letter. "We can expect Democrat legislation to wreak havoc on every sector of our economy and transform time-tested American institutions."
It is not uncommon for party leaders to leave their positions after significant electoral defeats.
Democrats prepare to challenge Trump's agenda after midterm victories
Jeffries' announcement follows an election in which Democrats were projected to capture both the House and the Senate, putting the party in a position to challenge President Donald Trump's legislative agenda during the remaining two years of his term.
Jeffries described the results as the beginning of a political comeback, saying voters had rejected what he characterized as extremism and corruption.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also welcomed the outcome, declaring that "relief is on the way." He identified affordability and efforts to end the war with Iran among the party's priorities.
