House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries formally asked colleagues to elect him Speaker after Democrats flipped the House, laying out an affordability-first agenda for the new majority.
What Jeffries said
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York sent a “Dear Colleague” letter seeking support to become the next Speaker of the House. According to Axios, he is widely expected to win the post and would be the first Black Speaker in U.S. history when the new Congress meets in January.
In the letter posted on his official House site, Jeffries wrote: “I write to humbly request your support in connection with my candidacy to serve as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.”
He said Democrats must “deliver the dramatic change the American people are demanding in the majority,” and named three priorities:
- Affordability — lower the cost of living
- Accountability — stronger oversight of the executive branch
- American Values — voting rights, equal protection, and immigration heritage
First 100 days, as he frames them
Jeffries told colleagues that in the first 100 days House Democrats should act to:
- Reverse Medicaid cuts
- Restore SNAP food-aid funding
- Extend Affordable Care Act tax credits
- End Trump’s tariffs
- Stop what he called a “reckless war of choice in Iran”
Affordable Care Act tax credits help many people pay for marketplace health insurance. SNAP is the federal food assistance program often called food stamps.
ABC News and CNBC report that Democrats also plan oversight of the Trump administration, including Epstein-file handling, immigration enforcement, and Pentagon decisions. Jeffries told TODAY that voters “don’t want us to try and get even” and want action on costs, while also citing “unprecedented corruption,” according to Axios.
How Republicans responded
White House spokesperson Lauren Bis told Axios the president is “willing to work with anyone to continue delivering victories for hardworking Americans.” She added that if Democrats “choose to pursue sham investigations and radical left policies, they are choosing to work against the American people.”
House Republicans are separately choosing a new minority leader after Speaker Mike Johnson said he will not seek that post. Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise are among those competing, with a vote set for Nov. 10.
What’s next
Jeffries has led House Democrats since late 2022. Axios reports he is not expected to face serious opposition inside his caucus, though some members have not yet publicly committed. The full House elects the Speaker when the new Congress convenes in January 2027.
Sources: Jeffries Dear Colleague letter, Axios (speaker letter), Axios (agenda), ABC News, CNBC
