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Hakeem Jeffries, the level-headed Democrat poised to become the first Black speaker of the House of Representatives
Democrats won control of the House in the midterm elections, putting Hakeem Jeffries in line to become the first Black speaker of the chamber. The New York congressman, who has led House Democrats since 2023, celebrated the result by declaring that “America is back”; he must still secure enough support from colleagues in a divided party.
Jeffries, 56, was comfortably re-elected to an eighth term representing New York’s 8th District. Raised in working-class Brooklyn, he worked as a corporate lawyer and served in the New York State Assembly before entering Congress. Known for a cautious, moderate and collaborative style, he has also faced criticism that he can be slow to respond to political crises.
In short
- Democrats retook the House in the midterms.
- Jeffries is positioned to become its first Black speaker.
- He still needs to win support from fellow Democrats.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Jeffries’s cautious, collaborative style could help unite a divided Democratic caucus and make him an effective speaker, able to build support across factions and focus on governing. His rise would also mark a historic step in representation, reflecting the significance of a Black leader reaching one of the country’s most powerful offices.
The case against
A cautious approach may make it harder for Jeffries to respond quickly when political crises demand clear, forceful leadership. Colleagues could also question whether a moderate, consensus-seeking style can advance the party’s priorities in a divided House, even if it helps him secure the speakership.