Politics · United States · 4 hrs ago
Jeffries is set to become House speaker despite progressive doubts
Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become the next US House speaker when the new Congress takes office in January 2027.
Some incoming progressive Democrats say they are undecided about backing him and want a clearer agenda before offering support.
They say they want priorities such as lowering costs for families, helping workers and changing government and foreign policy.
The disagreement reflects a push by the new lawmakers, including members of a group called the Bloc, to win influence over the party’s plans.
There is no rival candidate in the race, making Jeffries’s position appear secure despite the objections.
The speaker leads the House and is second in line to the US presidency after the vice president.
House Democrats are due to vote by secret ballot next week, before the new Congress is sworn in on 3 January 2027.
Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become the next Speaker of the US House of Representatives, with no rival in the race.
Some incoming progressive Democrats have not committed to backing him and are seeking a legislative agenda that reflects their priorities.
The House speaker vote is scheduled for next week, and the 120th Congress is due to be sworn in on 3 January 2027.
Jeffries would be the first Black lawmaker to become speaker.
- Who
- Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, and incoming Democratic lawmakers.
- What
- Jeffries is expected to become the next House speaker despite progressive lawmakers’ doubts.
- When
- The vote is scheduled for next week; the 120th Congress is due to be sworn in on 3 January 2027.
- Where
- The US House of Representatives.
- Why
- Some progressives want commitments on legislative priorities before backing Jeffries. No alternative leader is in the running.
Progressive holdouts
Jeffries supporters
Agenda
Progressive holdouts
Holdouts say they want an agenda reflecting priorities such as reducing costs, fighting corruption and addressing working people’s needs.
Jeffries supporters
Supporters argue Jeffries should lead the House Democratic caucus; sources say no alternative leader is in the running.
Backing Jeffries
Progressive holdouts
Some incoming progressives say they are undecided and will not rubber-stamp his bid.
Jeffries supporters
Supporters expect Jeffries to become speaker, and some lawmakers are willing to work with him.
Redbox Research polling before the elections found that 19 percent of Democratic voters wanted to keep Jeffries as their leader in Congress.
The House speaker vote is scheduled to take place by secret ballot.
The 120th Congress is due to be sworn in.
- Jeffries
- House Democratic leader and expected next House speaker
- Speaker vote
- Scheduled for next week, by secret ballot
- 120th Congress
- Scheduled to be sworn in on 3 January 2027
- Jeffries’ historic distinction
- Would be the first Black lawmaker to become House speaker
- Polling
- 19 percent of Democratic voters wanted to keep Jeffries as their leader, according to polling cited by Middle East Eye
3 sources
What people are saying
We're not withholding votes. What we're doing is saying we're undecided. We're not going to rubber stamp anything.
I don't think it's about the individual. It’s about the agenda and the agenda that actually reflects the priorities of the American people
I would suspect most Democrats will think twice about about blocking that historic achievement - even if they have other concerns about Jeffries
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These numbers are going up, by the way: A Democratic House staffer told me their office got nearly 800 calls about Jeffries on Friday alone. Most of the staffers I'm talking to describe this as the most call volume they've ever experienced.