Petition against Hakeem Jeffries' speakership tops 600,000 signatures over Kushner meetings

A petition opposing Hakeem Jeffries' bid for Speaker of the House has surpassed 600,000 signatures, with his private meeting with Jared Kushner cited as a key reason. The petition urges House Democrats to vote against him. The meeting, reported by The New York Times, occurred in New York City and covered potential areas of cooperation like housing and immigration. Petition creator Nicole Whitted, a Democratic supporter, questioned the transparency and influence of such relationships, saying they raise concerns about whose interests leadership serves. Jeffries has formally announced his candidacy for Speaker. House Democrats will select their nominee internally, with the full House vote scheduled for January, requiring 218 votes to win.