House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York formally confirmed his candidacy to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 120th Congress. While Jeffries is favored to win the position, several members from the party’s progressive flank have refused to outright endorse his candidacy, setting up a potential leadership fight.
“Congratulations on your election to the 120th Congress. I write to humbly request your support in connection with my candidacy to serve as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Jeffries wrote in a letter addressed to his colleagues.
He closed the letter by stating, “Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy to serve as the 57th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.”
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The announcement followed the 2026 midterm elections, in which Democrats regained control of the House after four years of Republican majorities. Projections indicated a substantial Democratic majority, with some reports estimating around 237 seats secured or projected for Democrats against far fewer for Republicans, though final tallies remained incomplete in some races.
Jeffries, who has led House Democrats as Minority Leader since 2023, would become the first black House speaker if elected by the full chamber.
In the letter, Jeffries reviewed House Democrats’ actions in the minority during the 119th Congress. He listed items including opposition to the Trump-backed Big Beautiful Bill spending package, opposing federal immigration enforcement, healthcare issues and more.
He stated that in the first 100 days, the party must act to reverse Medicaid cuts, restore SNAP funding, extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, “eradicate Trump tariffs,” and stop the war in Iran. On “accountability,” he said the House would serve as a check on the executive branch, root out price gouging, address issues at the Supreme Court, and ban members of Congress from trading stocks.
Newly elected House Democrats are expected to hold a closed-door meeting later in November to select their nominee for Speaker, ahead of the full House floor vote when the 120th Congress convenes in early January 2027. Multiple Democratic aides have indicated that no serious challenge to Jeffries is expected despite grumblings from some incoming members.
Multiple self-styled socialist candidates, including Representative-elect Darializa Avila Chevalier of New York, had not committed to supporting Jeffries during the election cycle.
No other members are publicly positioned as alternative candidates for Speaker. Current House Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts is expected to become Majority Leader, which would make her the first woman in that role, while Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar of California is expected to become Majority Whip. Leadership elections within the Democratic Caucus are scheduled for November 18 and 19.
