Hakeem Jeffries officially launches bid for US House Speaker

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has officially announced his candidacy for Speaker of the House in a letter to colleagues, as reported by Axios. He could become the first Black Speaker in U.S. history. Jeffries is seeking support for his bid, calling for "fundamental change" demanded by the American people. He faces no serious opposition, though some newly elected Democrats from progressive and "red" districts have declined to back him. His leadership team is expected to take posts uncontested, with Katherine Clark as majority leader and Pete Aguilar as whip. The announcement follows the Democratic Party's decisive victory in the November 3 midterm elections, securing control of both chambers.