Jeffries Says Democrats 'On the Verge' of Winning the House, Speaker's Gavel in Reach

Jeffries Says Democrats 'On the Verge' of Winning the House, Speaker's Gavel in Reach

Democratic Leader Predicts Midterm Comeback

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told The Associated Press in an interview after a church event: "We're on the verge of taking back control of the House." He argued that Democrats are on track to flip the House in the midterm elections and reclaim the majority. Jeffries said he never bought into the theory that voters gave Republicans a mandate in 2024 by handing them the White House and Congress.

GOP Speaker Holds Slim Majority

Jeffries contended that Republican control of both the White House and Congress in 2024 did not amount to a true mandate, leaving Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana with "one of the smallest majorities in modern times." Democrats have been out of power in the House since 2023. Jeffries said Democrats are set to win power back and take the speaker's gavel from the Republicans.

First Democratic Speaker Since Pelosi

If Democrats win the midterms and elect Jeffries, he would become the first Democratic speaker since Nancy Pelosi. Jeffries has served as House Democratic Caucus chair and minority leader since 2023, having been unanimously elected to the post by his colleagues in 2022 and 2024. He represents New York's 8th Congressional District and is in his seventh term in Congress, and is a former whip of the Congressional Black Caucus.

New Generation to Test His Leadership

Jeffries would face an immediate test from a new generation of lawmakers if Democrats take control. The House speaker is elected when the new Congress convenes on January 3. His caucus would include a handful of far-left candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, raising questions about how he will unify the party and advance its agenda.

100-Hour Agenda Targets Affordability and Oversight

Democrats have outlined a first-100-hours agenda once seated in January: reinstating Affordable Care Act tax credits that expired in 2025, reversing Republican Medicaid cuts, holding votes against the Iran war, and undoing President Donald Trump's tariff regime. Jeffries said at the party's campaign headquarters in Washington: "Fighting for an affordable America — that's what unites Democrats all across the country." He said Democrats will be "right out of the gate" united on these priorities.

Polls Show Voters Leaning Democratic

A Quinnipiac University survey found that 51 percent of registered voters say if the midterms were held now, they would want Democrats to lock down the House majority, while 39 percent said the same about Republicans. Jeffries said House Democrats are "running toward the finish line and Republicans are running scared," expressing confidence that voters will hand the speaker's gavel back to his party.