Hakeem Jeffries is poised to become the first Black Speaker of the US House of Representatives after Democrats secured majority control of the chamber in the 2026 midterm elections, setting up a historic change in congressional leadership. The 56-year-old New York lawmaker is expected to be formally elected when the new Congress convenes on January 3.Jeffries’ elevation would mark a milestone in the history of the US Congress, more than 150 years after Joseph Rainey became the first Black American elected to the House in 1870. The speakership is the only congressional leadership position established by the US Constitution and places its holder second in the presidential line of succession.Addressing supporters at a Democratic election watch party in Washington, Jeffries was greeted with chants of “Speaker! Speaker!” as his party celebrated its return to the House majority.“This is not a partisan moment. This is a patriotic one,” Jeffries said, adding that voters had called for significant political change.“We hear you,” he said. “We’re going to work hard to deliver on the dramatic change that you deserve.”Jeffries has led House Democrats for four years and is expected to succeed Republican Mike Johnson. His rise would also make him the highest-ranking Black elected official in the country.
Who is Hakeem Jeffries?
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jeffries grew up in a family with an Air Force veteran father and a social worker mother. He has said that witnessing the effects of the crack epidemic in his neighbourhood influenced his decision to enter public service.In an interview with The Associated Press during the campaign, Jeffries said his upbringing gave him a desire to improve conditions for working people who remained in their communities despite difficult circumstances.He studied at the State University of New York at Binghamton, earned a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University and graduated magna cum laude from New York University School of Law.Before entering Congress, Jeffries worked as a corporate lawyer and served in the New York State Assembly, according to the news agency. He first ran for public office at 29 and lost two campaigns for state government before challenging a 30-year congressional incumbent in 2012. The incumbent stepped aside, allowing Jeffries to win the seat.He represents parts of Brooklyn that were previously represented by Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. Jeffries is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.Known for incorporating references to old-school hip-hop into his speeches, Jeffries has developed a public profile that combines his political messaging with his Brooklyn background. He is married and has two children.
Challenges ahead as Democrats take control of the House
Jeffries will lead a Democratic majority facing pressure to deliver on economic concerns while scrutinising President Donald Trump’s administration. In a letter to fellow Democrats on Wednesday, he outlined three priorities for the next Congress: affordability, accountability and American values.He has also promised a 100-day agenda focused on reducing living costs and launching congressional investigations into the administration. Impeachment remains among the options under consideration.Jeffries is expected to work alongside Representative Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, who is in line to become majority leader, and Representative Pete Aguilar of California, who is expected to serve as majority whip. The three have led the party together since Jeffries took over from Nancy Pelosi after Democrats lost control of the House in 2022.His election as speaker would also carry historical significance. The US Capitol was built partly by enslaved African Americans, while Joseph Rainey became the first Black member of the House in 1870 during the Reconstruction era. Although Rainey never held the speakership, he was the first Black lawmaker to preside over the House chamber.More than a century and a half later, Jeffries is poised to take control of the speaker’s gavel as Democrats prepare to challenge the Trump administration and establish their legislative priorities.
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