New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, a contender to succeed U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has chosen to remain silent Thursday on his possible candidacy for the Democratic leadership and has opted to celebrate his accomplishments at the helm of his post.
«Let’s spend this moment, on this day, (reminiscing) about the historic nature (that Speaker Pelosi represents) and the opportunity we’ve all had to have her. And it’s been an incredible experience,» Jeffries said during an interview with CNN.
Although it is likely that Jeffries, 52, will eventually be elected, thus becoming the first black legislator of one of the major parties in the House, the Democrats will not vote until November 30.
Jeffries stands out for having once opposed the most progressive wing of the Party, led by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who said Thursday that Pelosi’s resignation is one of the «most historically significant moments in the history of the United States».
Both number ‘two’ and ‘three’ Democrats in the House of Representatives, Steny Hoyer and Jim Clyburn, have announced that they are resigning their posts and backing Jeffries to succeed Pelosi, who has decided to leave office.
Pelosi’s resignation comes after the Republican Party wrested control of the House of Representatives from the Democrats – but not the Senate – after the results of the mid-term elections, held ten days ago, were certified.
Pelosi, 82 years old and leader of the party in the House of Representatives since 2003, has confirmed that she will continue as a congresswoman «speaking for the people of San Francisco», but will not run for re-election to the Democratic leadership.
