PALMDALE, Calif. — As he campaigns, Hakeem Jeffries emphasizes that this election revolves around critical issues such as the economy, the concept of freedom, and the restoration of democracy in the wake of the January 6 Capitol insurrection. He expresses a calm demeanor amid the chaos in the U.S. House as Democrats strive to regain control from Republicans. Jeffries articulated his belief that choosing to remain calm is essential in these unprecedented times.
“In this moment, remaining calm is a deliberate choice,” Jeffries communicated during an interview at a café in Southern California while making his campaign rounds. “We must persist in our decision to stay composed, stick to our strategy, and cross the finish line, then let the American people take the reins.”
The battle for control of the House is competitive, with pivotal contests taking place across various states, far removed from the presidential race. Jeffries’ home state of New York and California are vital battlegrounds. A mere single contested seat among 435 could be pivotal for Democrats seeking to overturn the Republican majority and remove Speaker Mike Johnson from leadership.
In America’s lengthy history, Jeffries stands on the brink of making history as the first Black individual to possibly lead the House. The 54-year-old is part of a younger wave of Democratic leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris, laying out visions for a future beyond the tenure of Donald Trump, the former president.
Despite this historic potential, Jeffries prefers to focus on current voter decisions rather than discuss his aspirations to become Speaker. “Everything important to us is at stake. All our values are up for a vote. We face a choice: to advance this nation or regress,” he declared early on a Sunday in the Palmdale area of Los Angeles County.
Hundreds of energized volunteers joined a rally, chanting, “We’re not going back!” as they geared up to support Democrat George Whitesides in his contest against Republican Rep. Mike Garcia. Jeffries, hailing from Brooklyn, succeeded Nancy Pelosi as House Democratic leader, positioning him to also win internal party leadership consensus later this year, irrespective of upcoming election outcomes. Should Democrats secure a majority, he would be in line for a full House vote when Congress reconvenes in January.
Recognized for his communication prowess, Jeffries’ speeches are noted for blending modern cultural references with his eloquence, drawing comparisons to Barack Obama. His effectiveness as he tours the country and raises funds for the party is being critically assessed.
Jeffries is known for his openness to colleagues and his thoughtful approach, although this sometimes leads to slower decision-making. He remains discreet, sharing little about his exchanges with President Joe Biden during July discussions prior to Biden’s choice to endorse Harris instead of continuing his own campaign.
Jeffries is lauded by colleagues like Rep. Grace Meng, who sees him as a supportive figure, calling him “a rock.” To shift the House back to Democratic control, he has traveled extensively—over 25,000 miles across 30 states—proposing a robust agenda that aims to tackle inflation, improve jobs, enhance public safety, and address the affordable housing crisis.
Under a Democratic-led House, he promises legislative action that would safeguard abortion rights influenced by the Supreme Court’s recent ruling and promote the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act to expand electoral access. During his California campaign, he addressed voters at a banquet hall in Little Saigon, a neighborhood near Disneyland, which features some of the most contentious races this election cycle.
The following day, he visited an older Black church in Lancaster, a historically segregated area, urging attendees to engage their networks to embrace enlightened leadership who genuinely support their interests.
In many respects, Jeffries already embodies the role of a quasi Speaker, known for providing Democratic votes that allowed Congress to enact key legislation, including measures to avert a government shutdown and support Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia, when Johnson struggled to align his party.
When queried about the kind of Speaker he intends to be, should Democrats triumph in the elections, Jeffries asserted that his actions have already demonstrated his approach. “Prioritizing ‘people over politics’ is not just a slogan; it represents our governing philosophy,” he emphasized.
Rep. Jim Clyburn, once the highest-ranking Black official in the Democratic leadership, reflected on how Jeffries’ potential elevation to Speaker would symbolize progress towards achieving a more united nation. “Each step is a stride forward until a significant breakthrough occurs, and I believe we’re on the verge of that breakthrough,” he expressed.
As people enjoyed activities at a nearby park, a retired postal worker named Claudette Reynolds recognized Jeffries at the Orange County café. Approaching him for a selfie, she excitedly discussed their exchange. “I told him we’re going to make him the next Speaker of the House,” she recounted.