Hakeem Jeffries Formally Announces Bid for U.S. House Speaker

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has officially announced his intention to run for Speaker of the lower chamber of Congress. He made this known in a letter to his colleagues, in which he urged them to support his candidacy and carry out "fundamental changes" that meet the expectations of the majority of American voters.

"Fundamental Changes": The Content of the Appeal

"I humbly ask for your support as the next Speaker of the House. We must now enact the fundamental changes that the majority of the American people demand," Jeffries wrote in an address to caucus members. According to him, every member of the majority "will play a significant role," and his main goal is to give Democrats the opportunity to "act decisively in three key areas."

Caucus Support: Without Serious Resistance

According to Axios, although some newly elected Democrats and representatives from "red" districts have so far declined to publicly confirm their support for Jeffries, he is not expected to face serious resistance in his bid for the speakership. The publication explains that the substantial majority won by Democrats in the House elections on November 3 additionally insulates Jeffries from potential "rebels" within his own caucus. Furthermore, Jeffries' leadership team is expected to be elected uncontested.

Chance to Become the First Black Speaker

Brooklyn lawmaker Hakeem Jeffries, 56, could take the helm of the House of Representatives on January 3, when the new Congress holds its vote. If appointed, he will become the first Black speaker in U.S. history, succeeding Republican Mike Johnson.

Context: Berlin's Reaction and Midterm Results

Against the backdrop of the shift in control of the House of Representatives, international reaction is also drawing attention. According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, U.S. President Donald Trump will govern the country bypassing Congress following the Democrats' victory in the midterms. Previously, we also published a selection of 12 unusual facts that occurred during the U.S. midterm elections on November 3.