House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries promised to press for accountability after the U.S. midterms, Al Jazeera reported Wednesday, while his potential elevation to speaker would make him the first Black person in the role.
Jeffries used the phrase “great American comeback” to describe the results, according to Al Jazeera’s Nov. 4 video description. The outlet described him as positioned for the speakership, a prospect that depends on Democrats winning a House majority.
Jeffries had previously singled out Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. At an Oct. 31 pre-election rally, he said Democrats would “run Pete Hegseth out of town” if they won a majority, according to EconoTimes’ earlier coverage of Democratic oversight plans. He did not outline a procedure.
At least five candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America won House seats, EconoTimes reported earlier. NPR said those incoming lawmakers could have more influence in a speaker vote under a narrow Democratic majority than under a larger one.
