Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is on course to become the next Speaker of the US House of Representatives after Democrats regained control of the chamber in the 2026 midterm elections. If elected when the new Congress convenes in January, the New York congressman will become the first Black speaker in American history.

Jeffries entered the House in 2013 and gradually rose through the Democratic leadership. In 2023, he succeeded Nancy Pelosi as the party’s leader in the chamber. Becoming speaker would place him second in the presidential line of succession, after the vice president, while making him the central figure in the Democrats’ efforts to challenge President Donald Trump during the final two years of his term.

The job, however, will come with significant challenges. Jeffries must manage divisions between moderate and progressive Democrats while leading the party’s opposition to the Trump administration.

A Long Road to the Speakership

Senior Black Democrats began discussing Jeffries’ future leadership potential not long after he joined Congress. Former Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson and other influential lawmakers saw him as a possible successor to Pelosi.

Over the years, Jeffries reportedly turned down several opportunities that could have taken him in different political directions. These included leadership roles within the Congressional Black Caucus and the Democratic Party, as well as suggestions that he run for mayor of New York City. Some Democrats even encouraged him to consider a presidential campaign after Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race.

Jeffries, however, appeared focused on one long-term ambition: becoming Speaker of the House. The Democrats’ victory in the 2026 midterms has brought that goal within reach.

Ideological Divisions Within the Democratic Party

Before he can take the speaker’s gavel, Jeffries will need to balance competing expectations within his party. A new generation of progressive Democrats argues that the party’s established leadership has not delivered the level of change voters want.

Some progressives have questioned Jeffries’ positions on healthcare, Israel and economic inequality. His background as a corporate lawyer and his cautious approach to political decisions have also drawn scrutiny from parts of the party.

People close to Jeffries describe him as a careful strategist who is prepared to use the powers of the speakership firmly when necessary. They say he wants to place the economic concerns of ordinary Americans at the centre of the Democratic agenda.

His priorities include higher taxes on wealthy Americans, greater scrutiny of major corporations and improved economic opportunities for working families. He has also expressed interest in raising the minimum wage, establishing stronger ethical rules for the Supreme Court and regulating the use of artificial intelligence.

However, progressive demands such as abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or introducing Medicare for All could prove difficult to advance because Democrats themselves remain divided on those issues.

Affordability at the Centre of His Agenda

Jeffries has repeatedly argued that Americans are frustrated by the rising cost of living and want substantial changes to the political system. His allies say that, as speaker, he would focus on the financial pressures facing ordinary households.

Potential priorities include reducing healthcare costs, making housing more affordable, expanding tax benefits for families with children and improving financial security for working people.

Colorado Representative Jason Crow has argued that expanding access to public healthcare could help reduce household expenses. But Democrats have yet to reach a consensus on how to move towards universal healthcare.

Another issue facing Jeffries is a proposed ban on stock trading by members of Congress. Although lawmakers have discussed legislation to restrict such transactions, the proposal could face resistance from senior members of the party.

A Difficult Relationship with the Trump Administration

One of Jeffries’ most important responsibilities as speaker would be overseeing the Trump administration. House Democrats are expected to investigate the administration’s relationships with major corporations, government spending and key policy decisions.

At the same time, Jeffries will need to negotiate with Republicans on essential legislation, including government funding and raising the federal debt ceiling. Avoiding a government shutdown or a default will require cooperation across party lines.

Trump has described himself as “Mr. Veto”, suggesting that even legislation passed by the Democratic-controlled House could face resistance from the White House.

Jeffries has also faced criticism from progressive Democrats over a private meeting with Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The Democratic leader has defended such discussions, arguing that lawmakers sometimes need to engage with political opponents to solve problems.

A Prominent Voice Against Trump

Jeffries rose to national prominence during Trump’s first presidency. In 2020, he was among the House Democrats selected to present the case against Trump during his first Senate impeachment trial. Pelosi chose him for the high-profile responsibility.

He also attracted attention when he quoted the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G. during remarks in the Senate chamber. His interest in music goes back to his teenage years in Brooklyn, when he participated in rap battles under the name “Kid Fresh”.

His exchanges with Trump have frequently made headlines. After facing personal attacks from the president, Jeffries has responded with sharp criticism of his own. Colleagues say he is comfortable confronting political opponents directly.

But his leadership has not been free of internal disputes. Some members of the Congressional Black Caucus criticised the Democratic leadership’s decision to support a Republican resolution honouring Charlie Kirk after his killing. They argued that the resolution praised Kirk without adequately addressing remarks about Black Americans that they considered offensive.

Managing such disagreements while maintaining party unity will be another test of Jeffries’ leadership.

Rebuilding the Democrats’ Image on Immigration

Jeffries has also worked to reshape the Democratic Party’s approach to border security. In 2022, following advice from Texas Representative Henry Cuellar, he visited Laredo, Texas, to observe conditions along the US-Mexico border.

During the visit, he met local organisations and examined the challenges facing border communities. Afterwards, he increasingly emphasised both border security and the need to treat migrants with dignity.

The approach reflected his effort to address concerns among voters who believe Democrats need a clearer position on immigration.

If elected speaker, Jeffries will face the challenge of delivering the change voters expect while keeping the party’s moderate and progressive wings together. He will also need to confront the Trump administration without losing sight of the negotiations required to govern.

Democrats’ return to control of the House has created a historic opportunity for Jeffries. But before he can make history, he must secure his party’s support in the January speaker election and prove that he can lead a divided party through two demanding years in Congress.