Rep Hakeem Jeffries officially announces bid to succeed Speaker Pelosi

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) officially announced his bid on Friday to succeed Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Democratic leader in the House of Representatives.

Just a day after Pelosi stepped down, the Brooklyn lawmaker asked fellow Democrats to support his historic bid to become the first Black leader of either party in either chamber of Congress.

“I write to humbly ask you for your support for the position of House Democratic Leader as we once again prepare to meet the moment,” Jeffries wrote in the “Dear Colleague” missive.

“House Democrats must also continue to advance a forward-looking vision anchored in kitchen table, pocketbook issues,” he wrote.

“We can unify around an agenda designed to make life better for everyday Americans from all walks of life, and simultaneously embrace issues of social justice.”

So far, Jeffries is unopposed in the planned Nov. 30 leadership vote.

He has the backing of Pelosi and her current leadership team, who are also stepping aside, and is considered an overwhelming favorite even if an unexpected challenger comes forward.