Democrats Set to Return Hakeem Jeffries to the Speaker's Chair as First Black House Speaker

Democrats take back the House

Democrats have flipped the House of Representatives from Republican control, according to a projection from CNN's Decision Desk (Zwrot w USA. Hakeem Jeffries pisze historię Izby Reprezentantów – Wirtualna Polska). The result came after a strong election night for the party, which helped deliver a decisive victory in the midterm elections (Hakeem Jeffries is poised to become the first Black speaker of the House – NPR).

Jeffries poised for the top job

Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the Democratic minority leader, appears all but certain to be elected speaker when the new Congress convenes (Hakeem Jeffries poised to become speaker of US House of Representatives – Investing.com). At 56, he would be the first Black lawmaker to hold the post. The speaker ranks third in the federal government, behind the president and vice president, and holds the No. 2 spot in the presidential line of succession, trailing only the vice president.

Jeffries sets out his agenda

Speaking to supporters, Jeffries said Democrats would deliver what he called "transformational change" once they take control of Congress (House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries declares "America is back" – NPR). He has also said his focus will be on affordability and on holding the administration of President Donald Trump accountable.

Election outcome against the GOP agenda

Jeffries said the result would curb the second-term agenda of President Trump and Republican priorities in Washington. Party strategists have framed the outcome as a blue wave that reshapes the balance of power in the House for the remainder of the president's term.

Key figures

• Hakeem Jeffries, age: 56
• Presidential line of succession, House speaker position: second, after the vice president