Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Announces Bid To Replace Pelosi As House Democratic Leader

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) announced on Friday he’s running to replace Nancy Pelosi as the House Democratic Leader following Pelosi’s decision to step down from the job after Republicans took back control of the chamber.

In a letter to colleagues, Jeffries — who is currently the fourth-ranking House Democrat — announced his decision and asked for support.

“Today, I write to humbly ask for your support for the position of House Democratic Leader as we once again prepare to meet the moment,” he wrote.

If he is successful, Jeffries would become the highest-ranking black lawmaker on Capitol Hill ever. He would also be in line to become the first black speaker if Democrats regain control of the House in the next election cycle.

In recent months, a group of Democrats has been pushing for “new blood” pointing out the fact that the party’s leaders are in the job for decades and are in their 80s. Jeffries, a 52-year-old congressman, would represent a change in leadership if nominated as the new minority leader.

The new team of leaders would be completed by Reps. Katherine Clark (D-Massachusetts), 59, and Pete Aguilar (D-California), 43, who announced they are running for the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in leadership.

Pelosi, in a statement, endorsed all three to be the new team of Democratic leaders in the House.

“In the 118th Congress, House Democrats will be led by a trio that reflects our beautiful diversity of our nation,” Pelosi said. “Chair Jeffries, Assistant Speaker Clark and Vice Chair Aguilar know that, in our Caucus, diversity is our strength and unity is our power.”