Jeffries new group leader for the Democrats

Jeffries new group leader for the Democrats

Published: Less than 20 min ago

fullscreen Hakeem Jeffries is the new group leader for the Democrats in the House of Representatives in Washington DC. Photo: J Scott Applewhite/AP/TT

The Democrats in the US Congress have chosen a new leader in the House of Representatives. Hakeem Jeffries will replace outgoing Nancy Pelosi as caucus leader when the House convenes in early January.

Pelosi lost the post of Speaker of the House of Representatives after the Republicans took control of the House of Congress.

Hakeem Jeffries becomes the first black caucus leader of one of the two parties in the House of Representatives. The 52-year-old Jeffries was unopposed for the post when party members in the House of Representatives voted behind closed doors.

Jeffries is 30 years younger than Representative Pelosi. The appointment means a generational shift in the Democrats’ leadership in Congress.

“The new generation of leaders reflects the vibrant diversity of our nation,” Pelosi wrote in a statement.

Attorney Jeffries has represented New York City’s 8th District in the House of Representatives since he was elected in 2013. His electoral district includes part of the borough of Brooklyn and part of Queens.

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