Jeffries Launches Speaker Bid Promising ‘Dramatic Change,’ but the Left is Already Mad at Him

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries formally launched his bid for speaker Wednesday, less than a day after Democrats won control of the House. In a letter to colleagues he wrote, “I write to humbly request your support in connection with my candidacy to serve as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Fox News Digital reported.

If elected when the new Congress convenes Jan. 3, the Brooklyn Democrat would be the first Black speaker in history, the Associated Press reported, and would take the gavel from Republican Speaker Mike Johnson.

Affordability, accountability and ‘American values’

Jeffries told members he wants to act in three areas: “(1) Affordability (2) Accountability and (3) American Values,” according to the Washington Examiner.

“Donald Trump and House Republicans promised to lower costs on Day One. They failed,” Jeffries wrote, blaming “the Trump tariffs and war in Iran.”

He said Democrats would try to undo Republicans’ Medicaid cuts, extend the expired enhanced Obamacare tax credits and end the war in Iran.

He also promised that the House “will assume its place as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch.” He closed with a pledge, highlighted by Politico, that “House Democrats must deliver dramatic change.”

Jeffries’ top deputies, Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar of California, are running for the No. 2 and No. 3 jobs. Democrats will hold leadership elections in mid-December, Fox reported.

Fox reported that Democrats were projected to win 237 seats to 139 for Republicans at the time, with 59 races still too close to call. Jeffries predicted Democrats would end up with 255 or more seats.

Progressives want blood

Jeffries’ softer tone on Wednesday has already irritated his left flank. “The American people don’t want us to get even; they want us to get things done on their behalf because life is way too expensive,” he said on MS NOW’s “Morning Joe.” Progressives quickly pushed back.

Princeton historian Kevin Kruse called the comments “disheartening.” He pointed to a House Oversight Democrats video, featuring incoming chairman Rep. Robert Garcia, that warned Trump officials to “lawyer up.”

“I say this with all love, Brother Leader Jeffries: No,” University of Michigan professor Ebony Elizabeth Thomas wrote. “It’s not (just) retribution. It’s restorative justice.”

Jeffries said Democrats would “follow the facts, apply the law and be guided by the United States Constitution.” He has declined to rule impeachment in or out.

White House warning

The White House signaled it is ready for a fight. “If Democrats choose to pursue sham investigations and radical left policies, they are choosing to work against the American people,” spokeswoman Lauren Bis said.

A White House official went further. “If crazed Democrats want to abuse their power and politicize their process of investigations, subpoenas, and destroying lives, they should be reminded that we still control the federal government and all of its powers.”

Republicans, meanwhile, are sorting out their own leadership. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and Majority Leader Steve Scalise are vying to become minority leader.

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