Brooklyn pride as Hakeem Jeffries nears historic House speakership
With Democrats expected to control the U.S. House of Representatives, Jeffries is positioned to become the first Black speaker of the House, a role that is second in the presidential line of succession after the vice president.
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A historic blue wave handed Democrats control of both the House and Senate, putting Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on the path to becoming the nation’s first Black House speaker.
Members of the Brooklyn community are expressing pride in Jeffries.
At Cornerstone Baptist Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant, where Jeffries grew up attending, community members say the congressman has maintained his local connections.
“The man honestly does take time to listen and speak with you. And he’s still down to earth,” said Alex, a maintenance worker at the church.
Jeffries, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, represents neighborhoods including Bedford-Stuyvesant, East New York and Canarsie. He visited the senior center just a few weeks ago.
Church member Nolan Lazaturs said he sees Jeffries as a voice for working-class residents.
“I think he is a symbol of the Brooklyn community,” Lazaturs said.
As speaker, Jeffries would help shape the House’s legislative agenda and be second in line to the presidency, after the vice president. A Democratic majority would also have the power to investigate the Trump administration.
Jeffries still must win a formal House vote when the new Congress convenes in January to secure the position.
