Hakeem Jeffries to Succeed Pelosi as Democratic House Leader

Image copyright: Getty Images [via The Wall Street Journal]

The Facts

  • For the incoming 118th Congress, House Democrats elected NY Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as their party leader in the lower chamber. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) will join Jeffries as the newly-elected House minority whip and chair of the Democratic Caucus, respectively.

  • Jeffries ran unopposed and was elected by acclamation, making him the first Black leader of either party in either chamber. Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) considered opposing him but later dropped out, with Schiff reportedly considering a Senate run.


The Spin

Democratic narrative

Not only will Jeffries enter his historic role at the helm of a unified party, but he'll also enjoy a 118th Congress facing only a slim opposition majority. Beginning from a point of strength will help Jeffries fight the growing Trumpism in the Republican party. He is a perfect choice to lead a new generation of Democrats in the House.

Republican narrative

Jeffries is as divisive as they come, exemplifying which direction Democrats want to take the country. As a man who labeled his political opponents as racists without a shred of evidence, the term "unity" is the last word that comes to mind regarding their party's so-called "newest generation of leadership."


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