Jeffries vows ambitious agenda despite critics questioning his cautious style

Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic minority leader, is poised to become the first Black speaker of the House after leading his party to a majority victory, despite facing criticism from progressives who question his cautious style. Jeffries' strategy, including persuading centrist Democrat Jared Moskowitz to run in a redrawn Florida district, helped secure a larger-than-expected House majority. He has also raised a record $826.8 million, far outpacing Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, and is expected to be nominated overwhelmingly this month. Despite internal skepticism about his deliberative temperament, Jeffries plans to pursue an ambitious agenda, including reinstating health care subsidies and reversing Medicaid cuts. He has also voiced support for impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, signaling a more aggressive posture with the party's new power.