Democrat Hakeem Jeffries stands in line to become the first Black speaker of the US House of Representatives. The Democrats’ midterm win puts him in that position.
Jeffries proclaimed “Today begins the great American comeback” in a victory speech late Tuesday. Media outlets had projected Democratic majorities in the House and Senate.
Jeffries is 56 and represents a New York City congressional district. He was elected House minority leader in 2022.
In line for the speaker’s gavel
The House majority will be sworn in the first week of January. Jeffries would take the reins from Republicans, who controlled the House for the past four years.
Later this month, House Democrats will gather behind closed doors to anoint their candidate. The full House votes on January 3 to select the 57th speaker since 1789.
The speaker decides what legislation advances to a vote or dies. The speaker is second in line for the presidency, after Vice President JD Vance.
Jeffries pledged to pass legislation reversing steep spending cuts to Medicaid. The cuts were enacted into law on July 4, 2025.
What is confirmed: Jeffries stands in line for the speakership. The House vote comes in January. The size of the Democratic majority is still unclear.
