Hakeem Jeffries Challenger ‘Inevitable,’ but Democrats Fear the Cost
Growing opposition inside the Democratic Party is raising questions about how long Jeffries will remain unchallenged.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is set to become the next House speaker after the November 3 midterm elections, when Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress. However, opposition to the New York Democrat has grown as he moves closer to the role, which would make him the first Black person to hold the position.
John Geer, a political science professor at Vanderbilt University, says that "it is inevitable for Jeffries to have a challenger" as more ambitious members of the party seek to lead the energized Democratic party. However, no Democrat has stepped forward to challenge Jeffries so far, in part because doing so could come with political consequences if the attempt fails. A challenger would have to openly oppose the expected speaker, knowing they would still have to work with Jeffries and his allies if the challenge failed.
The role of House speaker is significant, as it controls the House agenda and priority legislation, while also leading a chamber with broad investigative and subpoena powers. The speaker is also second in the presidential line of succession. Some opposition to Jeffries' bid stems from his support for Israel and ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
With Democrats on track to hold sizable majorities in both the House and Senate, a challenger could reveal the extent of Jeffries' support for the position. The formal leadership elections are scheduled for November 18, when Democratic members will choose their nominee for speaker.
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