WASHINGTON — New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the fourth-ranking Home Democrat, stated Friday that he’ll run to interchange Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi because the occasion’s chief after Republicans took again management of the chamber in final week’s midterm elections.
His announcement in a letter to colleagues got here a day after Pelosi stated in a robust ground speech that she is stepping down after a two-decade reign as the highest chief of Home Democrats.
If Jeffries is profitable, it could symbolize a historic passing of the torch: Pelosi made historical past as the primary feminine speaker of the Home, whereas Jeffries, the present Democratic Caucus chairman, would turn out to be the primary Black chief of a congressional caucus and highest-ranking Black lawmaker on Capitol Hill.
The ascension of the 52-year-old Jeffries to minority chief would additionally symbolize generational change. Pelosi and her prime two deputies — Majority Chief Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C. — are all of their 80s and are receiving from throughout the occasion for “new blood” in management; Hoyer won’t search one other management put up whereas Clyburn plans to remain on and work with the following era.
Pelosi has not but weighed in on who she’d wish to see as her successor, however Hoyer and Clyburn each lined up behind Jeffries for chief on Thursday.
Clyburn, a towering determine within the caucus and shut ally of President Joe Biden, known as his protege Jeffries “completely unbelievable” and signaled help for a full slate of youthful set of leaders taking the reins of the Democratic management equipment: Jeffries, Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., and Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif.
Clyburn stated in a press release he’ll do “no matter I can to help our new era of Democratic Leaders which I hope to be Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar.”
Added Hoyer: “Nicely, I believe it’s all the time good for a celebration to have new blood and new invigoration, new enthusiasm, and new concepts.”
It is clear that Jeffries is the hands-down favourite for the job. Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., had explored difficult Jeffries for the highest job however dropped his bid Wednesday and as a substitute will have a look at a possible run for the Senate, in keeping with a supply acquainted with his planning. No different challengers have emerged.
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, stated Thursday she was assured that the highly effective bloc of greater than 50 Black lawmakers would line up behind Jeffries.
“I’m very snug saying I consider that each member of the Congressional Black Caucus would vote for Hakeem Jeffries,” Beatty informed reporters Thursday.
NBC Information projected Wednesday that Republicans will management the Home for the following two years — however will probably be a slim majority, possible much like the one Democrats have had since 2021.
Earlier than Pelosi made her announcement, Hoyer grinned when requested whether or not Home Minority Chief Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who’s working for speaker, will be capable of govern with a small majority.
“We’ll see! Mr. Ryan and Mr. Boehner discovered it tough,” Hoyer stated.
Audio system Paul Ryan and John Boehner each had bigger majorities than the brand new one might be.
It is a growing story. Please verify again for updates.
Liz Brown-Kaiser and Ali Vitali contributed.
