Several incoming House Democrats withhold support for Jeffries in speaker race
Some incoming members say they are undecided, while others, including several Congressional Black Caucus members-elect, back the New York Democrat.
Several incoming House Democrats are declining to commit to backing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York for speaker when the chamber votes in January. Rep.-elect Adam Hamawy of New Jersey said he has not decided, and Rep.-elect Patty Garcia of Illinois said she would vote with the progressive caucus. Others, including Claire Valdez of New York, declined to say how they would vote.
Several incoming lawmakers who are expected to join the Congressional Black Caucus voiced support for Jeffries. Rep.-elect Jasmine Clark of Georgia said she would "absolutely" vote for him, and Rep.-elect Adrian Boafo praised his leadership. Rep.-elect Cyril Jefferson of North Carolina said he leans toward supporting Jeffries but wants a open discussion of the caucus's legislative priorities first.
Rep.-elect Don Leonard of Ohio said senior House Democrats told him to drop two conditions for backing Jeffries, including a push for a constitutional amendment to end Citizens United and an end to U.S. support for the war in Iran. Leonard said he is still trying to arrange a meeting with Jeffries. No other House Democrat has yet challenged Jeffries for speaker, though several incoming members said their offices have received calls urging them to vote against him.
Key points
- Several incoming Democrats say they have not decided whether to back Jeffries for speaker.
- Rep.-elect Don Leonard says senior Democrats pressed him to drop his conditions for supporting Jeffries.
- Other incoming members, including several in the Congressional Black Caucus, say they support him.
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Summarized with AI from the sources above and reviewed before publishing.
