By becoming the leader of the House Democrats, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries will succeed former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one of the party’s icons.
Jeffries, who joined Congress at the end of half of Pelosi’s 20-year lead as House Democrat, said Pelosi “will go down in history as the greatest speaker of all time.”
Now, some people who know Jeffries expect him to handle the job a little differently than his longtime predecessor as a member of Congress in Brooklyn.
What you need to know
- Former Chief of Staff to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries says he expects the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s leadership style to be “more bottom-up and more inclusive” compared to Nancy Pelosi.
- Jeffries led them by unanimous vote of House Democrats.But it is not yet clear whether the caucuses can maintain unity in the long run – especially if they endorse a majority in 2024.
- Some on the left are skeptical of Jeffries, criticizing him for not signing the Green New Deal resolution and helping create a PAC to defend incumbent Democrats.
- If he becomes chairman, Jeffries would make history as the first person of color to assume the role. “said
“Her leadership style was more top-down, but I think Hakeem’s leadership style will be more bottom-up and more inclusive. said Cedric Grant, who served as Jeffries’ first chief of staff.
Former New York Republican Rep. Tom Reed, who worked with Jeffries on legislation, agrees.
“I definitely don’t think he’s going to be top-down heavy. I think he’s going to seek input,” he said. Some of the power is lost in things like that.”
Jeffries has already hinted at a collaborative approach.
In a November letter announcing his candidacy for Democratic leader, he promised to “empower” the members of the caucus so that everyone would “have a real seat at the legislative table.” increase.
In an interview with NY1 in early January, Jeffries said that as the party goes through a moment of transition, it will inevitably require a team effort across the House Democrat caucus beyond the individual in leadership, he said. I have elaborated on how to lead. so that you can receive the baton. ”
Integration of Diverse Caucuses
Jeffries led them by unanimous vote of House Democrats. However, it is not yet clear whether the caucus can remain united in the long term.
If the Democrats regain a majority within two years, they will have the power to decide the House agenda, and there could be competing pressures within the class to shape it, including pressure from the coalition’s left. there is. Complex relationship.
Asked in November whether Jeffries was progressive enough to appease the progressive end of the so-called Squad and Party, Rep. Jamal Bowman said, “There will be some fights and some conversations.
“But that’s what should happen, right? That’s the point of democracy. That’s the point of democracy,” he continued.
Bowman, who represents parts of the Bronx and Westchester counties, is a member of the squad and has the support of the progressive organization, the Judiciary Democratic Party.
He also happily accepts new jobs from fellow New Yorkers.
“I have had many discussions with Hakeem on racial justice. We are on the same page there. On economic justice, we are on the same page. I’m in,” Bowman said.
But others on the left are much more skeptical.
Climate activists from the progressive Sunrise movement have accused Jeffries of not joining other Democrats on the New York City Council to sign the Green New Deal resolution.
The Conservation Voters gave Jeffries a lifetime score of 96% on the latest National Environmental Scorecard, but it’s questioning just how much he’s prioritizing climate action.
Some have criticized him for helping launch the Political Action Committee (PAC) to support incumbents in primaries, seeing it as a bang against progressive challengers.
“I think it’s more beneficial for him to spend more time fighting Republicans than fighting people within his own party,” said Tyler Hack of Sunrise Movement NYC.
Jeffries doesn’t hesitate to backfire, telling The Atlantic in 2021 that “there will never be a moment to bend the knee to far-left democratic socialism.”
But Jeffries says it’s not correct to say he “chased the party’s left.”
“Sometimes when I am asked for a response, I do not hesitate to respond, but it is never gratuitous,” he said. “But sometimes when I’m asked for an answer, I do. And I respond in a way that’s consistent with my upbringing.”
Reid said Jefferies may have to exercise stronger control to force consensus if ideological differences become apparent among Democrats, especially if margins are tight in the House. I’m here.
“Maybe he needs to go back to the ‘top-down’ style of leadership a bit more,” Reid said. “Well, time will tell.”
fundraiser
Jeffries’ fundraising ability grew as he moved up the ranks.
As a back-venture for the House of Representatives against tokens, he routinely raised less than $2 million in each campaign, according to data compiled by campaign finance watchdog OpenSecrets.org.
That total more than doubled after he took on the role of Democratic caucus chairman. In his last campaign his cycle, Jeffries raised his nearly $6 million.
That total still pales in comparison to Pelosi, which raised nearly $25 million in its 2022 cycle.
Now that Jeffries has taken the top job, OpenSecrets.org research director Sarah Bryner says Jeffries’ funding is likely to increase.
“In 2024, we’re going to see all the chickens coming home to their roost,” she said, adding that his funding will begin to align “with all the people who have traditionally held these roles.” argued that it should
speaker? president? what’s next?
In the near future, one of Jefferies’ main goals as Democratic leader is to regain control of the House in 2024.
If successful, Jeffries is poised to become Speaker of the House. But what about the presidency?
At least one member of Congress, Gregory Meeks of Queens, a close ally of Jeffries, suggested the possibility.
“I want him to be a speaker for as long as he wants,” Meeks said. “But if at some point he decides he needs to go to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, I don’t think he has a cap on Hakeem Jeffries.”
Meeks calls Jeffries a “unique” talent. “Just like Barack Obama was a unique talent.” However, Meeks said he believes Jeffries should be chairman.
When asked if pursuing the White House is something he enjoys, Jeffries said “no.”
“My focus right now is to do the best job I can in the position I hold, deliver results for the American people, implement the successful legislative agenda that came out of the last Congress, and work with President Biden. We look forward to working closely with you to ensure he is re-elected and do all we can to regain control of the House in 2024,” Jeffries continued.
Is that completely off the table? “Yes,” Jeffries replied.
But leading the House one day is very important.
Since 1789, only 55 have served as presidents.
Jeffries, a person of color, was the first person to represent a New York City constituency, cementing the surprising rise to power of his son of Brooklyn, who won his first election 16 years ago.
This story is the final chapter in a four-part series that traces Jeffries’ path to power.You can find the first stories about Jeffries’ Brooklyn roots herePart two of Jeffries’ journey from election loss to top Democrat in the House can be found here. Part three on Jeffries’ drive for criminal justice reform can be found here. increase.