Hakeem Jeffries
Hakeem Jeffries has made history as the first black American to hold a high leadership position in the US federal legislature. The New York Representative was elected as the Democratic Party leader in the US House of Representatives, succeeding Nancy Pelosi who announced her resignation as House Speaker.
Succession of New Generation of Democratic Party Leadership
Jeffries’ rise to the leadership position marks a succession of a new generation of Democratic Party leaders, with many “old guard” members retiring. The party is faced with the challenge of working with Republicans and furthering its interests in a split Congress.
Hakeem Jeffries: Background and Political Career
Jeffries was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He studied political science, public policy, and law, and built a successful litigation practice. He entered politics in 2000, but lost the primary for a state assembly seat. However, he was eventually elected to the state assembly from New York’s 57th District in 2006. In 2012, he resigned from the state assembly, declaring “Washington is broken. Congress is dysfunctional. People are suffering. We deserve more.”
Dubbed the “Barack Obama of Brooklyn,” Jeffries was elected to the 113th US House of Representatives in 2013. He has been prepared by Democrats as a potential leader for several years, and stepped forward as Pelosi announced her resignation.
Hakeem Jeffries’ Politics
Jeffries self-identifies as a progressive, and holds both progressive and conservative positions on various issues. He is known for his progressive positions on criminal justice reform, gun reform, and reproductive rights. However, he is also expected to tame the left-wing of the party, openly disavowing “radical” democratic socialism.
Jeffries has been vocal in his support for Israel in the conflict with Palestine, which has been both commended and criticised. He has been criticised by groups raising concerns over Israel’s human rights record, and Palestinian groups have flagged concern over his “support for Israel’s apartheid regime.”
Despite this, one of Jeffries’ biggest campaign donors is the pro-Israel advocacy group AIPAC, and he has also supported Republican candidates. It seems that Jeffries balances positions that cater to the Democratic base with those that appeal to fence-sitting voters and moderate Republicans.
Challenges Ahead for Democratic Party
Jeffries’ rise to the leadership position reflects the Democratic Party’s need for a broad coalition of support, as it faces a difficult couple of years in the House minority. It will be a challenge for the party to work with Republicans and further its interests, but with Jeffries at the helm, it is well-positioned to do so.