Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries has launched his campaign to become Speaker of the US House of Representatives, but his ambition has already triggered opposition from within his own party, with nearly 400,000 people signing an online petition urging lawmakers to reject his candidacy.
The New York representative announced his bid on Wednesday evening, as Democrats prepared to take control of both chambers of Congress following their sweeping midterm election victory.
However, the petition, which has attracted more than 370,000 signatures, argues that Jeffries does not represent the priorities of Democratic voters and calls on incoming lawmakers to consider alternative candidates ahead of the January 2027 vote.
Petition Accuses Democratic Leadership of Ignoring Voters
The online campaign argues that the next Speaker should represent ordinary Democratic voters rather than the party establishment.
Organisers urged House Democrats to examine Jeffries’ public record, policy positions, campaign donors and leadership before deciding whether to support his nomination.
The petition also called on other Democratic lawmakers who believe they could better represent the party’s supporters to put themselves forward for the position.
Its signatories are specifically asking every member of the incoming 120th Congress to vote against Jeffries when the House chooses its next Speaker in January 2027.
Actor Mark Ruffalo helped amplify the campaign by sharing it with his 7.8 million followers online.
Encouraging people to support the petition, Ruffalo wrote: “Sign this petition if you want a new Speaker of the House.”
Progressives Criticise Jeffries Over His Political Positions
Several petition signatories criticised Jeffries for what they described as his establishment politics, with some specifically raising concerns about his support for Israel.
One supporter argued that Democrats should move beyond politicians they consider corporate and centrist, naming Jeffries alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The signatory called for progressive leadership, pointing to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as an example of the political direction they wanted the party to embrace.
Another petitioner called for an end to establishment leadership, while a different signatory argued that the next Speaker should be someone willing to confront MAGA supporters rather than cooperate with them.
The criticism also reflected frustration among some Democratic voters who believe the party must deliver more substantial political changes after securing its congressional victories.
Jeffries Highlights Democratic Achievements Under His Leadership
Despite the growing opposition, Jeffries proceeded with his announcement, defending his record as the leader of House Democrats.
He said the party had consistently stood up for Americans and established a foundation for substantial political change, even while operating as the minority in the House.
Among the achievements he highlighted was the creation of a litigation task force that challenged the Trump administration in court.
According to Jeffries, the initiative helped Democrats secure important legal victories involving birthright citizenship, voting by mail and the president’s authority to deploy the National Guard.
He also credited House Democrats with pushing for transparency and accountability concerning the release of the so-called Epstein files.
Healthcare and Iran War Feature in Jeffries’ Campaign Message
The New York congressman also pointed to the party’s handling of the 43-day government shutdown, claiming Democrats had prevailed in the healthcare dispute.
He said their efforts had paved the way for the House to pass a three-year extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits, despite opposition from Republican leadership.
Jeffries further highlighted the party’s opposition to the war in Iran, describing the conflict as reckless and costly.
He argued that the war had driven up petrol prices while weakening American national security.
“Against all odds, House Democrats were consistently successful in the minority,” he said.
He added that the party must now deliver the changes Americans are demanding with its return to the congressional majority.
Jeffries Sets Out Priorities for Democratic Majority
Outlining his proposed direction for the party, Jeffries identified affordability and accountability as major priorities.
He also pledged to defend what he described as traditional American principles, including liberty, equal protection under the law, voting rights and the country’s history as a nation of immigrants.
His announcement comes as Democrats prepare to assume control of Congress, giving them greater authority to challenge President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda during the final two years of his presidency.
Trump Faces Congressional Investigations After Republican Defeats
The Republican Party’s losses in both chambers mean Trump will face a Democrat-controlled Congress for the remainder of his current term.
Without congressional majorities, the president is expected to face greater difficulty advancing his legislative priorities and will have to rely more heavily on executive powers in areas including immigration, tariffs, foreign policy and military action.
Trump will also retain his presidential veto, which could be used to block legislation passed by Democrats.
Meanwhile, the new congressional majority is expected to launch investigations into alleged corruption involving the president, his political allies and members of his family.
Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia, who is set to lead some of the investigations as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, issued a warning to Trump and his associates.
“Lawyer up,” Garcia said.
