More and more Democratic candidates heading into the November midterms won’t commit to backing Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as House minority leader.
Over 80 Democratic House candidates told Axios in October that they were opposed to or evasive about supporting the New York Democrat as he aims to continue as head of the House Democratic Caucus.
Since his leadership role started in 2023, his support has shrunk, and more viable candidates have said that if the Democratic Party wins back the lower chamber, voting for Mr. Jeffries as speaker is not a given.
Mai Vang, the leading Democratic primary challenger to Rep. Doris Matsui of California, told Axios that Mr. Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York have “failed to mobilize meaningful opposition to Trump’s illegal war, and their silence as [the American Israel Public Affairs Committee] and corporations flood congressional primaries with millions of dollars is deafening.”
Ms. Vang added, “I cannot support this kind of leadership. If we want to defeat Trump and rebuild trust with working Americans, we need new leadership and a new direction.”
Adam Hamawy, a Democrat running to replace retiring Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey, said that “most” Democrats agree that Mr. Jeffries has been “failing to meet the moment.”
Mr. Jeffries’ spokesman, Justin Chermol, said in a statement to Axios that they have “zero interest in a frivolous story.”
Mr. Chermol added, “Leader Jeffries is focused on addressing the affordability crisis, stopping the bombing in the Middle East, reining in ICE and taking back the House to stop Republican extremists from destroying America.”
Replacing Mr. Jeffries is easier said than done. House Democrats who have privately lamented his leadership told Axios that he’s still secure in his leadership, as nobody would dare challenge him for speaker.
Alternatives include Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Michigan Democrat, Illinois congressional candidate Anabel Mendoza told Axios.
New York City Councilmember Chi Osse filed paperwork in November to challenge Mr. Jeffries for his House seat but ultimately withdrew after failing to receive an endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America and encountering opposition from Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
