Rep. Hakeem Jeffries elected first Black House Democratic Leader

In a unamoius vote, House Democrats chose Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York to succeed Nancy Pelosi as leader of the Democrats in the chamber next year.

The historic vote makes Jeffries, 52, the first Black lawmaker elected as the House Democratic Leader.

Hakeem Jeffries elected House Democratic Leader

When Congress convenes on Jan. 3, the Brooklynite will become minority leader in the House, which the Republicans will control after winning a narrow majority in the 2022 midterm elections.

Generational change

Jeffries will represent a generational shift from the current House Democratic leaders, who are three decades older than him. He became the chairman of the Democratic caucus in 2019, making him the youngest member serving in leadership.

Speaking after the vote, Jeffries said his mandate is to “advance the ball for everyday Americans and get stuff done.”

“That’s what Democrats do. That’s what our record says. Each and every day, House Democrats, committed to fighting hard for working families, middle class folks, those who aspire to be part of the middle class,” Jeffries said.

“Young people, older people, immigrants, veterans. The disadvantaged, the sick, the afflicted, the least, the lost and the left behind. House Democrats fight for the people.”