The first-ever Black lawmaker to run one of the two political parties in congress will take the position, marking a generational change in the chamber.

Article by Georgia Simon, Associate White House Reporter

WASHINGTON - On Nov. 30th, House Democrats voted for Nancy Pelosi’s successor, as she will no longer be at the forefront of their party in the chamber. New York's own Hakeem Jeffries will take over, marking history as he will be the first African-American to lead a political party in one of the two congress chambers. Jeffries will be the first Democratic House minority leader in 4 years.  

Jeffries was the youngest member with a leadership role when he became Chairman of the Democratic Caucus in 2019. His new position comes after House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, have announced they will also be stepping down. Clyburn will move to his new role as assistant leader in congress. Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark will take over as House Majority Whip and California Rep. Peter Aguilar will replace Jeffries as Chairman of the Democratic Caucus. 

“A new day is dawning,” Pelosi said. “I am confident that these new leaders will capably lead our Caucus and the Congress.” 

Jeffries was voted in unanimously after months of congressional members paving the way for Jeffries, if and when Pelosi was to step down. When her announcement came, lawmakers were eager to invite a new generation into higher leadership. 

“Sometimes we can have noisy conversations, but as we’ve shown time and time again on issue after issue after issue, at the end of the day we always come together, find the highest common denominator and get big things done for everyday Americans,” Jeffries said. 

Democrats gained more House seats than anticipated leading up to election day. Even with the Republican majority, the House is separated by 5 seats with a 223-218 split. Many GOP members have confessed that in order to pass the necessary legislation, like government funding, they will need Democratic help.

“It’s hard, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that’s easy, but, you know, we’ve got to find the opportunities where we can continue to move forward in the next Congress,” Suzan DelBene, Chair of New Democratic Coalition, said. The New Democratic Coalition is made up of moderate Democrats hoping to pass bipartisan legislation. 

With the hope of new bipartisan action, Democrats still feel intense radicalism from the other aisle. Members have made it clear that they will not vote with the GOP on legislation that they find to be extreme. 

“What we’re fighting against is this MAGA extremism, and we heard loud and clear this election from the American public that they want us to work to get things done for them,” Minn. Democratic Representative, Angie Craig, said. 

Jeffries has mentioned that he is keeping an “open mind” about working with GOP House Speaker nominee, Kevin McCarthy while leading his party over this next term. 

“Leaning in and making sure that everyone is put in the right position to elevate their talent, brilliance and creativity for the good of the caucus in Congress is one of the challenges that I look forward to leaning into in the next few years,” Jeffries said.