Read: Hakeem Jeffries' letter officially launching his bid for House speaker

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) formally launched his bid for speaker of the House on Wednesday. In a letter to colleagues obtained by Axios, Jeffries requested support for his candidacy, stating that the majority must deliver the dramatic change demanded by the American people. If successful, Jeffries would become the first African American to serve in the role.

According to the Business Recorder, Jeffries would preside over a majority being sworn in the first week of January, taking control from Republicans. Following media projections of Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, Jeffries delivered a victory speech on Tuesday where he declared that "the great American comeback" had begun. He pledged to pass legislation reversing spending cuts to the Medicaid program that were enacted on July 4, 2025.

The Business Recorder notes that Jeffries faces the challenges of opposing President Donald Trump and bridging the gap between moderate and progressive members of his party. He has stated that his caucus would focus on helping the middle class and the poor manage the high cost of living.

Brief written by urgent.news from Axios, Business Recorder — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.