House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Wednesday that he is running for speaker of the House, setting the stage for the New York Democrat to potentially become the first Black lawmaker to hold the position.
Jeffries, who has served two terms as House minority leader, formally announced his candidacy in a letter to Democratic colleagues ahead of the Jan. 3 leadership vote. Long viewed as the successor to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Jeffries is seeking to lead Democrats as they prepare to take control of the chamber.
“Against all odds, House Democrats were consistently successful in the minority,” Jeffries wrote. “We must now deliver the dramatic change the American people are demanding in the majority.”
Jeffries outlined an agenda focused on affordability, government accountability and protecting American values, promising immediate action on policies enacted under President Donald Trump.
“Life is way too expensive, and millions of hardworking taxpayers are drowning in this failed economy,” he wrote.
Jeffries pledged that Democrats would prioritize reversing Medicaid cuts, restoring Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, extending Affordable Care Act tax credits and eliminating Trump administration tariffs during their first 100 days.
“House Democrats must do everything in our power to meaningfully lower the high cost of living,” he wrote.
Hakeem Jeffries just sent members a “Dear Colleague” letter announcing his candidacy for House Speaker: “As part of our effort to turn things around, every single member of our majority will play a meaningful role. My goal is to empower you to act decisively in three key areas: (1) Affordability (2) Accountability and (3) American Values.”
— Michael Jones (@bymichaeljones) November 4, 2026
His economic agenda also includes addressing housing costs, groceries, utilities and caregiving expenses.
“Here in America, when you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to live an affordable life, a comfortable life and a good life,” Jeffries wrote.
The Democratic leader also promised aggressive congressional oversight of Trump, his administration and individuals accused of abusing government power.
“The days of the House functioning like a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump Administration are over,” he wrote. “Congress will assume its place as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch.”
Jeffries called for banning members of Congress from trading stocks, addressing alleged corruption and pursuing accountability for misconduct.
“Anyone who is stealing from the American people, ripping off the American people or screwing over the American people can no longer hide,” he wrote. “We are going to hold the crooks accountable.”
In his letter, Jeffries credited House Democrats with opposing Republican-backed Medicaid reductions, challenging Trump administration policies in court and pushing for transparency surrounding the Epstein files.
Jeffries also pointed to Democratic efforts to counter Republican redistricting initiatives and protect voting rights. He enters the speaker’s race with significant support from the Congressional Black Caucus and moderate Democrats. Although some progressive lawmakers have not committed to supporting him, no challenger has emerged.
Progressives are expected to press Jeffries on issues including Medicare for All and U.S. military assistance to Israel.
Jeffries closed his letter by calling for party unity and a renewed commitment to democratic principles.
“House Democrats must deliver dramatic change,” he wrote. “Our hard-fought success gives us the opportunity to restore the promise of an affordable America in every community.”
If elected, Jeffries would become the 57th Speaker of the House and the first Black American to hold the office.
