Democrats Consider Hakeem Jeffries Speaker, Unless They Actually Like Him
KEY POINTS
- â˘Hakeem Jeffries, once an untouchable power player, now faces open skepticism from over 80 Democratic House candidates nationwide.
- â˘Progressive challenger Mai Vang criticized Jeffries for failing to oppose Trumpâs alleged illegal war and for cozying with corporations and AIPAC.
- â˘Primary tests this Tuesday in Illinois will show if Jeffries waltzes to speakership or endures a 15-ballot slog like McCarthy in 2023.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, once untouchable in his quest for Speaker, now faces a mutiny fresh as 2026 primaries heat up. Over 80 Democrats remain fence-sitters or out-and-out skeptics, including Mai Vang, whoâs not just shading Jeffries but outright accusing him of fist-bumping corporations and AIPAC while ignoring Trump's alleged illegal war. Vang's $282,000 fundraising shadowing 81-year-old Hinckley lookalike Doris Matsuiâs $750,000 adds an old-versus-new-age spice to the drama. Meanwhile, veterans like Matsui are sweating Steve Austin levels of worry. Jeffries chuckles through 20 speaker ballots unbeaten, but newbies from NY to Utah havenât even met the guy yet, speaking in cryptic quotes that scream plot twists. Action resumes this week in Illinois primaries where Jeffriesâ leadership faces more âmaybe notsâ than a family group chat about Thanksgiving plans. Spoiler alert: Jeffriesâ path could be a 15-ballot rerun of McCarthyâs gladiator speech contest instead of a ballroom glide.
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(1 of 3)When your own party doubts you more than your ex ever did, maybe itâs time to rethink the leadership vibe. Jeffries is chillin' in Speaker limbo, while fresh Dems ghost him harder than a Tinder date.
Jeffries might be the only politician whoâs survived 20 speaker ballots but canât score a solid yes from his own freshmen. Interior decorating level: crumbly.
Democrats debating Jeffries as Speaker reads like a soap opera pilot: 'Will he unite the party or face a 15-ballot horror show? Tune in this November!'
Source: Axios | Published: 3/16/2026 | Author: Andrew Solender
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