Hakeem Jeffries poised to become speaker of US House of Representatives

In the United States, the recent midterm elections have propelled Hakeem Jeffries, a Democratic representative from New York City, into a prime position to become the first Black speaker of the House of Representatives. Upon assuming the role, Jeffries will be charged with the dual responsibility of managing opposition to President Donald Trump while also bridging the divide between moderate and progressive factions within his party.

Once sworn in early January, Jeffries will succeed Republicans who held control of the House for the past four years. Referring to this new era, Jeffries declared, “Today begins the great American comeback.”

President Donald Trump's administration brought about significant spending cuts to the Medicaid program on July 4, 2025. Jeffries pledged that his administration would work to reverse these cuts, emphasizing the need to address the high cost of living faced by the poor and those with disabilities.

During his victory speech, Jeffries criticized the Trump-led Republican agenda in Congress, vowing to push for legislation that would combat the perceived corruption and extremism under the previous administration. Although he has not explicitly stated his intention to impeach Trump a third time, Jeffries has outlined his plans to investigate the administration's dealings with corporate executives, including those who have contributed heavily to his political campaigns.

As the incoming speaker, Jeffries must navigate the complexities of presiding over a diverse group of members, including far-left progressives who have expressed reservations about his candidacy. Among them is Representative-elect Darializa Avila Chevalier, who voiced her support for policies such as voting rights reforms, public housing investments, and universal healthcare.

However, Jeffries' ties to pro-Israel groups and his lukewarm stance on "Medicare for All" have raised concerns among moderate Democrats who fear the program's potential cost.

To gain the support of both progressive and moderate Democrats, Jeffries will have to strike a delicate balance between addressing affordability and maintaining bipartisan support. His approach to tackling the affordability crisis, a top concern among voters, will be crucial in uniting his caucus and guiding the legislative agenda of the next Congress.