As the Republican-controlled House of Representatives grapples with internal strife, Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries finds himself in a unique position of power, potentially holding the key to Speaker Mike Johnson’s political survival.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
In the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries typically has limited influence. However, this week, he may be the most powerful person in Congress as Speaker Mike Johnson seeks the support of Jeffries’ opposition Democrats to fend off an effort by hardline members of his own party to topple him.
A small group of hardline Republicans made history in October when they ousted their speaker, setting off a messy weeks-long leadership fight that brought the chamber to a halt. Now, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene aims to repeat the move against Johnson.
Jeffries, 53, confirmed last week that members of his party would vote to support Johnson, an unusual move aimed at preventing a replay of last year’s chaos. Democrats hope to erase Republicans’ narrow 217-212 majority in the Nov. 5 elections, potentially allowing them to elect Jeffries as the first-ever Black speaker of the House, a role second in line to the presidency after the vice president.
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna praised Jeffries for his leadership, stating, “Jeffries has done a good job in keeping us unified and building consensus. He governs with a light touch and solicits members’ opinions.” Representative Pramila Jayapal, who heads the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called Jeffries “an incredible leader.”
However, Jayapal expects something in return if her party supports a political rival. She expressed concerns about Johnson’s stance on various issues and suggested that Democrats would need concessions, such as renewing the expiring “Affordable Connectivity Program” that helps low-income households afford broadband service.
Johnson drew the ire of his party conservatives by working with Democrats to pass bills averting a government shutdown and providing additional aid to Ukraine. Ousting Johnson and triggering a replay of October’s House chaos could pose a political risk for Republicans in an election year, prompting concern from their presidential candidate, Donald Trump.
Despite Trump’s words, Republicans remain angry that Johnson has not taken a harder line. Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who is backing Greene’s effort, criticized Johnson’s qualifications for the job.
Jeffries, whose leadership bid was backed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, faces less trouble from his own caucus. However, as a minority leader, his job has been easier than Johnson’s, as he has not had to drive the House agenda and deal with the political pitfalls that come with it. An unidentified Democratic aide commented, “It’s easy to look great when you’re standing to the side of the three-ring circus.”
