Who is Hakeem Jeffries? New York Democratic Congressman may become first Black speaker as outgoing House of Representatives speaker Mike Johnson likely to start own company

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who would make history as the first Black speaker of the House if his colleagues elect him to the job when the new Congress begins on January 3, 2027. Meanwhile, US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson will not run for election as House minority leader, following the loss of his Republican majority in midterm elections, according to reports on Wednesday.

In a nationwide romp, Democrats ousted Republicans from coast to coast, with many surprising places in between, as voters rejected the president’s party for the promise of something different for the country. Their majorities will be padded by wide margins in both the House and the Senate.

Who is Hakeem Jeffries?


House of Representative Hakeem S. Jeffries has been in the US Congress since 2013. Democratic leader is elected from New York, District 113th-119th. He has served seventh term in the United States Congress.

Jeffries is also the former Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Whip of the Congressional Black Caucus and previously co-chaired the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.

In January 2020, Jeffries was selected by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve as one of seven House Impeachment Managers in the Senate trial of President Donald Trump, becoming the first African American man to serve in that role, as per official website of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries.

Jeffries holds degrees from State University of New York, Georgetown University, and New York University School of Law.

Challenges before Hakeem Jeffries

Democrats will be under pressure to quickly show that they have solutions for the high gas and grocery prices, the war in Iran and concerns about the direction of the country.

For Jeffries and his leadership team, it will be their first time in the majority, managing a class of newcomers including a handful of far-left democratic socialists. With the majority in the 435-member House well past the 218 needed and the Senate Democrats holding at least 54 of 100 seats in that chamber, Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer will have room to maneuver.

"Five words for the American people: Relief is on the way," the New York senator said.

Future of House Speaker Mike Johnson

House Speaker Mike Johnson had quipped he may return to his Louisiana hometown of Shreveport to start a lawn care company if the Republicans lost power. His future plans will be closely watched, as rivals seek to replace him.

Johnson, who has struggled to maintain control of a narrow 218-214 Republican majority since becoming speaker three years ago, announced his decision to staff on Wednesday morning, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The Louisiana Republican spent much of the 2026 midterm campaign insisting that Republicans would expand their House majority, only to see Democrats take control of both the House and Senate on Tuesday in a sweeping repudiation of Republican leadership under President Donald Trump.

It was unclear who would emerge as House Republican leader in an internal party election expected next week. Conservative Jim Jordan of Ohio was expected to announce his candidacy later on Wednesday.