Photo credit: abcnews.go.com
PALMDALE, Calif. — This election, he has cautioned, revolves around the economy, freedom, and countering Project 2025 alongside the extreme factions of MAGA.
Moreover, after the events of January 6, 2021, marked by the Capitol attack, the conversation is now also about safeguarding democracy.
Amidst this discourse, Hakeem Jeffries, a significant figure in the Democratic Party and a contender to become the first Black Speaker of the House, emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure as Democrats endeavor to regain authority in the tumultuous U.S. House currently held by Republicans.
Jeffries articulated his approach in a recent interview with The Associated Press, sharing his belief that “calm is an intentional decision” during these trying times. He spoke while enjoying a brief respite during campaign stops across Southern California.
“We must continuously choose to display calm and follow through with our plans until we reach the finish line,” he asserted, emphasizing the ultimate decision would lie with the American populace.
The race for House control is exceedingly close, unfolding in various regions of the U.S., far removed from the headlines of the presidential race. This includes significant contests in Jeffries’ home state of New York and in California. Each contested seat holds potential implications for the balance of power, with even a single seat possibly tipping the majority to Democrats and removing Republican Mike Johnson from his position.
In a historic context, Jeffries, now 54, finds himself on the brink of achieving a milestone that no Black American has reached in the nearly 250 years of the nation’s history. He represents a new wave of leadership, paralleling figures like Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, that aims to progress beyond the influences of the Trump administration.
Jeffries, who has a legal background, remains focused on the present challenges facing voters rather than fixating on the possibility of serving as House Speaker.
“Everything of significance is at stake right now. The issues we care about are on the ballot. We face a choice: progress or regression,” he expressed during a recent event in Palmdale, located in a remote area of Los Angeles County.
The audience responded enthusiastically, rallying behind the notion that they would take action to support Democrat George Whitesides as he competes against Republican incumbent Mike Garcia.
Jeffries was thrust into the spotlight as House Democratic leader following Nancy Pelosi‘s departure, establishing him as a leading candidate for the speakership. He is expected to secure his position as party leader again later this year, independent of the election outcomes. However, should Democrats achieve control of the House, he would stand for election as Speaker when the new Congress assembles in January.
Recognized for his communication prowess, Jeffries is noted for his engaging and culturally relevant speeches that resonate with contemporary audiences, drawing comparisons to former President Barack Obama.
As he makes his rounds nationally to galvanize support and fundraise for the party, Jeffries’ leadership ability is notably put to the test.
Described as approachable and deliberate in his decision-making, Jeffries is also known for keeping his deliberations discreet. He has maintained a level of confidentiality regarding his dialogue with President Joe Biden during a private conversation before Biden’s announcement to withdraw from the presidential race and support Harris.
Rep. Grace Meng, a Democrat from New York, regards him as a steadfast figure in her political journey, describing him as “a rock” who values everyone’s perspectives.
With extensive traveling across more than 30 states, Jeffries advocates for a “dynamic” Democratic agenda, which includes aiming to lower inflation, enhance job opportunities, and tackle the affordable housing issue.
In the event of a Democratic majority, Jeffries envisions legislation that solidifies reproductive rights in light of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. He also emphasizes the need to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Bill to ensure expanded and protected voting access.
During his trip through California, Jeffries dedicated Saturday to energizing voters in a banquet hall in Orange County’s Little Saigon, an area noted for its competitiveness in the current electoral cycle.
The following day, he engaged with congregants at a historic Black church in the Lancaster area, where he encouraged them to mobilize family and friends to support candidates who prioritize their interests.
In several respects, Jeffries has been acting in a capacity akin to the Speaker after Kevin McCarthy’s removal, facilitating critical votes for major legislative measures during turbulent times when Johnson struggled to rally enough support within his own party.
Jeffries played a key role in providing Democratic votes that were essential for the passage of significant measures, such as those that allocated resources to support Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia, and to avoid government shutdowns.
When queried about the kind of Speaker he would be if Democrats regain power, Jeffries pointed to his existing actions as evidence of his approach.
“Prioritizing ‘people over politics’ is more than just a slogan,” he remarked, insisting it reflects a genuine commitment to governance.
Rep. Jim Clyburn from South Carolina, who previously served as the highest-ranking Black leader in the House, opined that Jeffries becoming Speaker would represent a step towards a “more perfect union.”
He remarked on the series of advancements that have led to this potential breakthrough, affirming the movement toward greater representation and leadership.
As families gathered in a nearby park, Claudette Reynolds, a retired postal worker, spotted Jeffries entering an Orange County cafe.
She approached him for a selfie and recounted their exchange, stating triumphantly, “I told him we’re going to make him the next speaker of the House.”
Source
abcnews.go.com