Hakeem Jeffries set to become first Black House Speaker after Democratic sweep
Hakeem Jeffries is poised to become the first black Speaker of the US House after Democrats won control of the chamber in the November 3 midterm elections, a historic shift in leadership when the new Congress convenes in January 2027. The 56-year-old New York Democrat, currently House Democratic leader, is expected to succeed Republican Mike Johnson, with supporters chanting "Speaker! Speaker!" at an election-night gathering. He faces a formal House vote on January 3. Jeffries, a former lawyer known for blending scripture and hip-hop in speeches, would be the first Black lawmaker to hold the post, second in the presidential line of succession. He plans to focus on lowering living costs and investigating the Trump administration.