Democrats petition against Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker

A petition urging Democrats not to support Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker of the House has gathered over 747,000 signatures within 24 hours, driven primarily by progressive and socialist factions within the party. The petition, which had only 20,000 signatures until recently, criticizes Jeffries and Senate leader Chuck Schumer as "timid" and "pro-Israel" establishment figures. Organizers argue the Speaker should represent Democratic voters, not just the party establishment, following the party's sweeping electoral victory. The effort has been amplified by criticism of the AIPAC lobby's congratulations to the leaders and by opposition to the war in Gaza. The petition's author cited Jeffries' meetings with Jared Kushner and a call with Haley Stevens regarding a Michigan race.