Hakeem Jeffries poised to become first Black US House Speaker
The Democrat is set to lead the House after his party won the 2026 midterm elections.
Hakeem Jeffries is set to become the first Black Speaker of the US House of Representatives following the Democrats' victory in the 2026 midterm elections, according to The Hindu. The New York Democrat, who represents a New York City congressional district, is expected to take over the role when the new Congress convenes in January 2027.
Jeffries, 56, proclaimed in a victory speech on Tuesday that the win marks the beginning of a "great American comeback." He pledged to pass legislation to reverse spending cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program that were enacted on July 4, 2025. He also stated that the American people want a Congress that delivers rather than one defined by corruption and extremism.
The incoming Speaker will face the challenge of managing a Democratic majority that includes both moderates and progressives. He must also navigate the final two years of President Donald Trump's presidency, with the power to block the administration's legislative agenda and launch investigations.
The position of Speaker is second in the presidential line of succession, after Vice President JD Vance. Jeffries, who became House Democratic leader in January 2023, will be formally voted upon by the full House when the new session begins on January 3.
In the midterm elections, Indian-American Suhas Subramanyam and Pia Dandiya won seats in the US House of Representatives. However, Vivek Ramaswamy was defeated in the race for Ohio's governorship.
