Jeffries Wins Over House Democrats, But Pelosi Falls Short With New York and New Jersey Delegation
House Democrats have elected Brooklyn’s Hakeem Jeffries as Caucus Chairman, the fifth-ranking member of House leadership.
Jeffries won a narrow victory over Oakland’s Barbara Lee, 123-113. Both members are close to Pelosi, but Lee was favored by the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
Jeffries said he pledged to respond better to caucus concerns and work hard toward the 2020 elections.
“Focus like a laser beam on making sure that we were successful over the next two years. We’ve won the majority. Now we have to keep the majority. And in order to do that we have to get work done on behalf of the American people,” he said.
As caucus chairman, Jeffries will be responsible for taking the temperature of House Democrats on issues and votes – and then coordinating the party’s message on those issues.
The position is seen as a potential stepping-stone for the 48-year-old Jeffries. He’s decades younger than the top three members of Democratic leadership. He’s black, important in a diverse party. And he’ll be able to build relationships and his ability to raise money across the country.
All of which would leave Jeffries as a potential successor to current Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, of California, when she decides to step down.
But Pelosi wasn’t stepping down Wednesday, earning her party’s nomination, 203-32, despite six members of the New York and New Jersey delegations voting against her.
Three members, Representatives-elect Max Rose of New York City’s 11th Congressional District, Anthony Brindisi of New York’s 22nd Congressional District and Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District earlier this month had signed a letter opposing Pelosi. They carried through on that promise Wednesday.
Two other new members, Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey’s 11th District and Andy Kim in New Jersey’s 3rd District, promised to oppose Pelosi on the campaign trail. They also said they voted against Pelosi.
But Pelosi won over North Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer. Gottheimer, and a group of centrist Democrats and Republicans, were seeking rule changes to make it easier to get floor and committee votes on bills and amendments if they have bi-partisan support. Gottheimer said Pelosi agreed to some rule changes Wednesday.
To become Speaker in January, Pelosi needs a majority of the votes cast. That means she needs to change the minds of at least 15 Democrats to get the 218 votes that guarantees her the gavel.
The big question now is if those 'no' votes will stay that way in January. Rose battled with reporters on that question.
“You think that I’m going to change?” Rose said. “Beyond it being laughable though, what it speaks to though, is a culture of politics in this town where people change their opinions like that.”
Long Island Rep. Kathleen Rice is leading the revolt against Pelosi. She met with Pelosi and asked her to set a timetable for stepping down as Democratic leader. Pelosi rejected that request, Rice said.
Jeffries agreed with that decision, and said Pelosi can count on his vote in January. Pelosi undercuts her power the moment she says she’s leaving, Jeffries said.
“We’re dealing with the Trump administration,” he said. “We’re dealing with Mitch McConnell and the boys in the Senate. And we’re dealing with some of Trump’s co-conspirators in the House of Representatives. Why in the world would she, or anyone, lame-duck themselves as we approach some tough negotiations?"
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