Hakeem Jeffries officially announces intention to run for US House of Representatives Speaker

Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the Democratic majority in the US House of Representatives, has officially announced his intention to run for the position of Speaker of the lower chamber of Congress. This was reported by Axios.

Address to colleagues and key priorities

In a letter addressed to his fellow lawmakers, Jeffries called for support for his candidacy. "I humbly ask you to support my candidacy for the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Now we must make the radical changes that the majority of the American people need," the politician emphasised.

He stressed that "every member of our majority will play a significant role". Jeffries' main goal is to enable his party to "act decisively in three key areas". Among the priorities he listed:

1. affordability;
2. accountability;
3. American values.

Prospects for election

The publication notes that despite some newly elected Democrats and representatives from so-called "red" districts refusing to confirm their support, serious opposition to Jeffries' candidacy is not expected.

The publication explains that the majority won by Democrats in the House of Representatives elections on 3 November will further protect Jeffries from any potential rebels within his faction. It is also expected that Jeffries' senior leadership team will be formed without competitive struggle.