House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is actively campaigning across the United States, aiming to help the Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives. Should this occur, Jeffries could potentially become the first Black speaker of the House, although he has not been focusing on this aspect at the moment.
Jeffries is primarily alerting voters to the potential risks posed to democracy and basic rights, such as voting rights, under a Republican-controlled Washington, D.C. He assures voters that if the Democrats obtain a majority, they will safeguard these rights and introduce legislation that addresses ongoing economic challenges.
During an appearance at Greater Shiloh Church in Easton, Pennsylvania, Jeffries recounted his experience on the House floor on January 6, 2021, stressing the importance of voting rights in the upcoming elections. He emphasized the need to “fight for democracy,” indicating the high stakes involved. Jeffries highlighted the historical bipartisan support for updates to the Voting Rights Act, but mentioned a shift occurred following Barack Obama’s election as the first Black president, with the introduction of the concept of voter fraud, which he claims lacks evidence.
In an interview with NPR at the church, Jeffries described the current moment as fragile for the nation. He expressed confidence that Democrats will fulfill their constitutional duties by certifying the election results in January, though he raised concerns about whether some right-wing Republicans would do the same if Kamala Harris were elected president, describing this uncertainty as unfortunate.
The focus on democracy is central to the Pennsylvania race Jeffries is supporting, where Democratic Representative Susan Wild is in a competitive race against Republican Ryan Mackenzie. Jeffries pointed out that a candidate who denies the legitimacy of elections is running in the 7th Congressional District.
Wild has emphasized the significance of Northampton County in her campaign, asserting that it has historically played a decisive role in presidential elections. Jeffries told NPR that Democrats have shown they can govern effectively, even in challenging times, by helping to prevent government shutdowns and managing debt negotiations when the House Republicans were divided. He indicated that Democrats can achieve even greater successes if they control the House.
During a conversation in Easton, Jeffries contrasted potential Democratic actions with those of conservatives by referencing the conservative “Project 2025” plan. He posed a question to constituents about whether they desired “progress for the people or Project 2025.”
A potential historic achievement for Jeffries is his candidacy to become the first Black speaker of the House, though he has been cautious not to assume victory prematurely. With Democrats needing to gain four seats for Jeffries to assume leadership, both parties anticipate that the new majority in the House will be slim.
After the election, members of the House Democratic Caucus will conduct leadership votes. Jeffries mentioned the teachings of the late Rep. John Lewis, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on reclaiming the majority to better serve the American people.
Housing issues rank highly on the Democratic agenda, according to Jeffries, who has prioritized concerns about housing, food, and healthcare costs. He also noted Harris’ policy proposals to tackle the housing crisis, highlighting this as a key focus of her presidential campaign.
The outcome of the House majority could be determined by districts like Wild’s in Pennsylvania, while Jeffries also aims to challenge Republican incumbents in New York. He contends that Republican candidates are often misaligned with the values of their electorates.
Jeffries has been active on the campaign trail, supporting Democratic candidates and incumbents across several states including Oregon, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, and New York. The contest for House control is heavily focused on a limited number of districts deemed competitive by sources like the Cook Political Report. Speaker Mike Johnson conducted campaign efforts for Wild’s Republican rival on the same day Jeffries toured her district.
Jeffries was elected as the first Black leader of a political party in Congress following Nancy Pelosi’s decision to step down from leadership. Despite having to fill significant political and legislative roles, he is perceived as more relatable in certain competitive districts compared to Pelosi, who was sometimes portrayed negatively in Republican campaign ads.
Wild conveyed to NPR that Jeffries, who hails from Brooklyn, comprehends the distinctions of her district and appreciates his ability to effectively campaign across different regions of America. She praised his inclusive leadership style, which encourages open dialogue within the caucus, particularly during challenging political moments.
If Jeffries assumes the role of speaker, he will likely encounter similar challenges as Pelosi in uniting diverse political ideologies within the Democratic Party. He reflected on advice given by Lewis, which Jeffries believes remains pertinent: to seek beneficial change and engage in “good trouble,” especially in Washington’s challenging political environment.
