Hakeem Jeffries' Ascent to Democratic Leader Breaks More Than One Barrier

Hakeem Jeffries was elected as the leader of House Democrats on Wednesday morning, breaking several barriers.

"Congratulations to @RepJeffries, elected as the leader of House Democrats for the 118th Congress," House Democratic lawmakers wrote in a tweet following their meeting to elect leadership.

Jeffries will replace California Representative Nancy Pelosi as the House Democratic leader after she announced that she would be stepping aside from a leadership role.

The win on Wednesday will make Jeffries the first Black individual to be named a leader of a political party in the U.S. Congress. Heather Caygle of PunchBowl News also pointed out on Twitter that at 52 years old, Jeffries will be the youngest congressional leader.

"It's a solemn responsibility that we are all inheriting," Jeffries told reporters on Tuesday before the vote, the Associated Press reported. "And the best thing that we can do as a result of the seriousness and solemnity of the moment is lean in hard and do the best damn job that we can for the people."

In a tweet following the vote on Wednesday, Jeffries wrote, "Humbled to be elected incoming House Democratic Leader. Ready to get to work."

In a statement sent to Newsweek, Jeffries said, "Today, with immense pride, I stood in front of the House Democratic Caucus as a candidate for Democratic leader, and I am eternally grateful for the trust my colleagues placed in me with their votes."

He continued: "Over the last few years, House Democrats have delivered extraordinary results for the American people. We are going to continue to put people over politics and fight for all our values. House Democrats will lift up working families, the middle class and those who aspire to be part of it, young people and senior citizens, veterans, the poor, the sick and the afflicted, and the least, the lost and the left behind."

Jeffries made similar comments during a press conference following the vote. At that time, he said, "We love this country, we love our democracy, we love the Congress and the House of Representatives, the institution designed to be the closest to the people, and we're going to fight hard each and every day we have this honor to serve in Congress to deliver."

In addition to Jeffries, House Democrats also elected California Representative Peter Aguilar to serve as the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and Massachusetts Representative Katherine Clark to serve as House Democratic whip.

Earlier this month, Republicans took control of the House and Pelosi announced that she would not be seeking reelection as a Democratic leader. After she was first elected to Congress in 1987, Pelosi was elected House minority leader in 2003 and eventually House speaker in 2006.

"For me the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic Caucus that I so deeply respect, and I'm grateful that so many are ready and willing to shoulder this awesome responsibility," Pelosi said in a speech.

Pelosi also previously expressed support for new Democratic leaders, saying, "A new day is dawning—and I am confident that these new leaders will capably lead our caucus and the Congress," CNN reported.

Prior to Jeffries' election on Wednesday, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty told reporters that every member of the caucus would support Jeffries for a leadership role.

"I'm very comfortable saying I believe that every member of the Congressional Black Caucus would vote for Hakeem Jeffries," Beatty said.

Democratic strategist and CEO of Fireside Campaigns Brad Bauman also previously told Newsweek that Jeffries was a "natural choice" to replace Pelosi.

Newsweek reached out to Jeffries' office for comment on Wednesday.

Update 11/30/22, 1:15 p.m. ET: This story was updated with additional information.

Update 12/1/22, 9:01 a.m. ET: This story was updated with a statement from Jeffries.