Photo Courtesy of Rep. Jeffries’s Office
Jeffries said he’s looking forward to working with Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), the incoming vice-chairwoman of the House Democratic Caucus.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Queens and Brooklyn) was recently elected by his colleagues to serve as chairman of the Democratic Caucus, succeeding former Rep. Joe Crowley in the fifth-highest ranking position in U.S. House of Representatives Democratic leadership.
“Today marks the end of a hard-fought campaign of ideas with my friend [Rep.] Barbara Lee (D-Calif.),” Jeffries said. “For decades, Barbara has been a tireless advocate for social and economic justice. I honor her. In the next two years, House Democrats will fight aggressively to lower healthcare costs, protect people with pre-existing conditions, increase worker pay and clean up corruption in Washington. We will focus on kitchen table, pocketbook issues that unite all Americans. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues in the Democratic Caucus to fight for the people.”
Jeffries announced his intention to run for the post four weeks ago. In a letter seeking support from his House colleagues, Jeffries, who served as co-chairman of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee during the last congressional session, said his candidacy is anchored in three principles: “Our team is strongest when everyone is on the playing field”; “Learn from the past, succeed in the future”; and “The best defense is a good offense.”
“Together, we delivered a strong ‘For the People’ closing argument to America that was simple and authentic to who we are as public servants. We emphasized an agenda focused on lower healthcare costs, increased pay for everyday Americans and cleaning up corruption in Washington. It worked,” the congressman wrote.
Jeffries won the race for the 8th Congressional District seat back in 2012. The 8th CD features Howard Beach and Ozone Park in Queens, and Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, East New York, Canarsie, Ocean Hill, East Flatbush, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, and Coney Island in Brooklyn.
