Brooklyn-born Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is poised to make history as the first Black speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives following the Democratic Party’s victory in the November 2026 midterm elections, according to NPR.
Jeffries’ anticipated appointment would add another chapter to Brooklyn's longstanding history of Black political leadership, placing a Brooklyn representative in one of the most influential positions in the federal government.
Jeffries, who has represented parts of Brooklyn in Congress since 2013, became House minority leader in 2022.
“This is a change election and we understand as House Democrats that we need to deliver dramatic change,” Jeffries said on election night. “Things are broken. We need a Congress that puts the American people first.”
Before entering Congress, he served six years in the New York state Assembly, where he worked on legislation addressing the New York City Police Department’s stop-and-frisk practices. He also practiced law, developing an interest in criminal justice reform through his work with local communities.
During President Donald Trump’s first administration, Jeffries helped advance the bipartisan First Step Act, legislation that reduced sentences for certain federal drug offenses. The effort involved cooperation with Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, highlighting Jeffries’ willingness to work across party lines on criminal justice policy.
The speaker also stands second in the presidential line of succession, after the vice president.
Leading the Democratic-controlled House, however, will bring significant political challenges.
Jeffries must navigate differences between moderate Democrats, traditional progressives and members aligned with the democratic socialist movement. Local organizations, such as Brooklyn for Peace, have already planned to deliver formal letters to Jeffries' district office opposing funding for the war in Iran, opposing weapons supplied to Israel, the abolishment of ICE and more.
Additionally, given the misalignment with many Democrats and the President, many experts have warned of a political gridlock in Washington.
The new Congress is scheduled to convene Jan. 3, 2027, when lawmakers will vote for speaker. Jeffries must secure the necessary support from House members before he can officially assume the position.
