Jeffries says Democrats are 'on the verge' of winning the House days before midterms
In short
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries told The Associated Press in Toledo, Ohio, that Democrats are "on the verge of taking back control of the House", days before the midterm elections. He is on track to become speaker if Democrats win and elect him.
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House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats are "on the verge of taking back control of the House." He made the comment to The Associated Press in an interview in Toledo, Ohio, after he listened from the front row at a church service. The midterm elections, days away, will determine control of Congress for the remainder of President Donald Trump's term. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
"When this storm has passed, and it will, those of us who have served in the Congress during this time will be part of bringing about a better chapter in the United States of America," Jeffries said. "That's the mission. And failure is not an option." [ 2 , 3 ]
The report said Jeffries is on track to become House speaker if Democrats sweep to power and elect him to the job. It described the post as one of the most powerful in the U.S. and second in line to the presidency. He would be the first Black American to hold the gavel and the first Democratic speaker since Nancy Pelosi of California. He has been campaigning in more than 50 cities for House Democrats as they try to oust Republicans and win back majority control. [ 2 , 3 ]
The report described Jeffries as New York City-born and as a new generation of leadership at the Capitol, known for a deliberative, calm-is-a-choice style of governing. Democrats are preparing a 100-day agenda focused on lowering the cost of living and conducting oversight of Trump's Republican administration, which Jeffries puts as to "hold the crooks accountable." [ 2 , 3 ]
Rep. Brad Schneider of Illinois, outgoing chairman of the centrist New Democrat Coalition, said of Jeffries: "What we've seen is he is quietly effective." [ 2 , 3 ]
The New York Times reported that Jeffries, who has led House Democrats since 2022, planned to start campaigning in a Hudson Valley, New York, district that is among the most competitive in the country, and to campaign in competitive districts around the country. A CNN headline said he warned of a GOP "diabolical scheme" but is bullish on Democrats' chances to flip the House. The documents for those two reports contain only headlines and short summaries. [ 4 , 5 ]
Why it matters
The midterm elections will determine control of Congress for the rest of President Donald Trump's term, according to the AP report. If Democrats win the House, Jeffries would become speaker, and the party is preparing a 100-day agenda on living costs and oversight of the administration.
Key facts
- Jeffries told The Associated Press in an interview in Toledo, Ohio: "We're on the verge of taking back control of the House." [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The midterm elections, days away, will determine control of Congress for the remainder of President Donald Trump's term. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Jeffries has campaigned in more than 50 cities for House Democrats. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Democrats are preparing a 100-day agenda focused on lowering the cost of living and oversight of Trump's Republican administration. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Jeffries would be the first Black American to hold the speaker's gavel and the first Democratic speaker since Nancy Pelosi. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The New York Times reported that Jeffries, minority leader since 2022, planned to start campaigning in a competitive Hudson Valley, New York, district. [ 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- What Jeffries means by a Republican "diabolical scheme". Only the CNN headline is available; it gives no detail.
- Whether Democrats will win the House and elect Jeffries speaker. The elections are days away and the documents describe him as on track to become speaker only if Democrats win.
- Jeffries has been campaigning in more than 50 cities for House Democrats. Reported by a single source so far
- Democrats are preparing a 100-day agenda focused on lowering the cost of living and oversight of Trump's administration. Reported by a single source so far
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- The Associated Press published its report on Jeffries saying Democrats are on the verge of winning the House. [ 1 ]
- ABC News published the same report. [ 3 ]
- The New York Times published a piece on Jeffries launching a final midterm campaign sprint. [ 4 ]
- CNN published a report on Jeffries warning of a GOP 'diabolical scheme' while saying he is bullish on Democrats' chances. [ 5 ]