House Democrats will elect a new generation of leaders Wednesday
NBCMAR 11 2023
Hakeem Jeffries to Succeed Pelosi as Democratic House Leader
Image copyright: Getty Images [via The Wall Street Journal]
The Facts
For the incoming 118th Congress, House Democrats elected NY Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as their party leader in the lower chamber. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) will join Jeffries as the newly-elected House minority whip and chair of the Democratic Caucus, respectively.
Jeffries ran unopposed and was elected by acclamation, making him the first Black leader of either party in either chamber. Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) considered opposing him but later dropped out, with Schiff reportedly considering a Senate run.
Jeffries, 52, will represent a new generation of leadership as he succeeds House Speaker Nancy Pelosi who, along with current House Minority Leader Hoyer and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), are around 30 years his senior.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Not only will Jeffries enter his historic role at the helm of a unified party, but he'll also enjoy a 118th Congress facing only a slim opposition majority. Beginning from a point of strength will help Jeffries fight the growing Trumpism in the Republican party. He is a perfect choice to lead a new generation of Democrats in the House.
Republican narrative
Jeffries is as divisive as they come, exemplifying which direction Democrats want to take the country. As a man who labeled his political opponents as racists without a shred of evidence, the term "unity" is the last word that comes to mind regarding their party's so-called "newest generation of leadership."