Jeffries officially launches bid to become House Speaker after Dem landslide

Jeffries was expected to become the lower chamber leader, though he still has to run for the post. As of press time, no Democrat has announced plans to challenge him.

Published: November 4, 2026 4:11pm

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries officially announced his plans to seek the position of Speaker of the House in the next Congress after Democrats won a massive majority.

Jeffries was expected to become the lower chamber leader, though he still has to run for the post. As of press time, no Democrat has announced plans to challenge him.

“Against all odds, House Democrats were consistently successful in the minority,” he said, according to Politico. “We must now deliver the dramatic change the American people are demanding in the majority.”

While the final tally remains unclear, he is expected to command well over the 218 lawmakers needed for a majority in the 435-member Congress. His predecssor, Mike Johnson, famously struggled to keep a narrow Republican majority in line to pass key votes.

Johnson has confirmed he will not seek to remain GOP leader in the minority.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News