House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) formally launched his bid for speaker of the House on Wednesday in a letter to colleagues obtained by Axios.
Why it matters: Jeffries is widely expected to secure the speaker's gavel after House Democrats' landslide midterm win. He would make history as the first African American to serve in the role.
- Jeffries, who was first elected to Congress in 2012, has led the House Democratic caucus since former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stepped down in 2022.
What he's saying: "I write to humbly request your support in connection with my candidacy to serve as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives," Jeffries wrote.
- "We must now deliver the dramatic change the American people are demanding in the majority," he continued.
- Jeffries wrote that "every single member of our majority will play a meaningful role" and that his goal is to empower House Democrats to "act decisively in three key areas: (1) Affordability (2) Accountability and (3) American Values."
Between the lines: While some incoming progressive and red-district Democrats have declined to commit to supporting Jeffries for speaker, he is not expected to face any serious opposition for the role.
- The big majority House Democrats won on Tuesday will further help to insulate him from any would-be rebels in his caucus.
Zoom out: Jeffries' senior leadership team is similarly expected to run uncontested:
- Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) for majority leader.
- Democratic Caucus chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) for majority whip.
- Democratic Caucus vice chair Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) for Democratic caucus chair.
- Assistant Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) for assistant speaker.
Read the letter in full, via DocumentCloud:
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.