Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries Is The New Democratic Caucus Chair
BROOKLYN – Democrats in Congress elected U.S Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Wednesday as the new caucus chair, according to reports.
The Brooklyn lawmaker defeated Rep. Barbara Lee of California in a 123-113 vote. He replaces outgoing Congressman Joe Crowley who, before losing to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, was in line to replace Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
The Democratic caucus leader works with the Minority Leader to set the agenda, message and strategy of the Party, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures’ website. as well as preside over majority caucus meetings. The position is considered the No. 5 leadership role of the United States Congress.
Congrats to my friend and colleague @RepJeffries on being elected the new Chair of the Democratic Caucus. In New York, we've seen firsthand how he fights for us, and now, communities across the country will benefit from his leadership & commitment.https://t.co/QVlPu1CtLt
— Tish James (@TishJames) November 28, 2018
The 48-year-old lawmaker was re-elected to his fourth term to serve the 8th congressional district which encompasses are a large swath of Brooklyn from Bushwick to Brighton Beach. Jeffries announced his bid for the Democratic caucus chair in early November and has been pegged one of the potential representatives to become the first black speaker.
The leading Democrat has revised his Wikipedia page since news broke of the win less than two hours ago.