
CNN
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Home Democrats selected caucus chair Hakeem Jeffries of New York to succeed Nancy Pelosi as chief of the Democrats within the chamber subsequent 12 months, a historic transfer that may make him the primary Black particular person to guide one of many two main events in both chamber of Congress.
Home Democrats met behind closed doorways Wednesday morning on Capitol Hill to make their choice.
Jeffries ran unopposed as chief, with Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark, present assistant speaker, operating as whip and California Rep. Peter Aguilar, beforehand vice chair of the caucus, and was anticipated to win the spot to guide the Home Democratic caucus.
Republicans have the bulk within the subsequent Congress, so Jeffries, Clark and Aguilar will all lead in a Democratic minority, the primary in two phrases.
At 52, Jeffries will signify a generational change from the present triumvirate of Home Democratic leaders, who’re three many years older than him. He turned the chairman of the Democratic caucus in 2019, making him the youngest member serving in management.
His rise in management comes after Pelosi, Home Majority Chief Steny Hoyer and Home Majority Whip Jim Clyburn introduced they’d be stepping down from their present management positions. Clyburn is anticipated to turn into assistant chief within the new Congress.
Pelosi – who was designated “Speaker Emerita” in a unanimous vote by the Home Democratic Steering and Coverage Committee Tuesday night time – blessed the brand new trio of leaders anticipated to succeed them in a press release when she introduced she would step down and return to being a rank-and-file member within the new Congress.
“A brand new day is dawning — and I’m assured that these new leaders will capably lead our Caucus and the Congress,” Pelosi said.
For months, Democratic lawmakers have whispered that Pelosi’s potential exit from Congress might pave the best way for Jeffries.
Jeffries mentioned he hopes to “lead an effort that facilities our communication technique across the messaging precept that values unite, points divide.” He additionally praised the previous management however mentioned “extra have to be executed to fight inflation, defend our democracy, safe reproductive freedom, welcome new People, promote equal safety below the legislation and enhance public security all through this nation.”
This story and headline have been up to date with further developments Wednesday.
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