Hakeem Jeffries Channels Brooklyn Vibes at DNC, Vows to Take Back House for Democrats

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries addressed reporters ahead of his evening speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention to discuss the Democratic Party’s strategy for the November elections, emphasizing its forward-looking vision under Vice President Kamala Harris. Jeffries, who is one of the main architects of the Democrats’ strategy to take back the House, outlined the Democratic Party’s legislative agenda should they secure the House, Senate and presidency in November, including lowering costs, ending price gouging and expanding the middle class. He added that the party is aiming to make sure everyday Americans can get ahead. “We’re going to continue to embark on articulating the Democratic vision … while at the same point exposing the House Republicans for being adherents to MAGA extremism and continuing to bend the knee to Donald Trump,” he said.

If Democrats take back the House, Jeffries would make history as the nation’s first Black House speaker. Jeffries told reporters that Democrats are prepared to tackle the challenges ahead as they work to regain control of the House and support Harris in her bid for presidency, adding that she is “ready, willing and able” to fight for the country. He said the DNC is a week to “celebrate Joe Biden, elevate Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, and eviscerate MAGA extremism.”

Jeffries said Harris’ leadership has energized the Democratic base and provided a clear contrast to the Republican Party. “There’s one path that the extreme MAGA Republicans led by Donald Trump want to take us down, which is to create division and to turn back the clock,” he said. “Kamala Harris is leading us on a path forward, anchored in hope, joy and unity.”

Praising Harris for her leadership and her role in pushing the toughest bipartisan border policy ever prepared by the U.S. Senate, Jeffries said that despite efforts by former President Donald Trump to “weaponize” immigration issues for political gain, the Democrats remain focused on finding practical solutions. He criticized Trump’s approach, and said Harris will do what is necessary to secure the border in a bipartisan way.

The deal that was killed at Trump’s behest in February would’ve included both foreign assistance for Ukraine and Israel in addition to making it harder for migrants to apply for asylum and increasing the number of family-based and employment-based visas.

When asked about Rep. Tom Suozzi’s contributions to the immigration debate among Democrats, Jeffries lauded Suozzi as a “phenomenal public servant” and leader of the effort to find a bipartisan solution to the border crisis. “Democratic candidates all across the country have been leaning into the Suozzi approach, which is: We have a story to tell because we want to fix the problem and deliver real results for everyday Americans,” Jeffries said. “It’s the extreme MAGA Republicans who continue to play politics and engage in reckless partisan stunts.”

Suozzi, who replaced former Republican Rep. George Santos in the 3rd Congressional District on Long Island, defeated Republican nominee Mazi Melesa Pilip in a February special election. Jeffries added that Suozzi played a critical role in this shift within the party by focusing on two key issues: defending reproductive rights and advocating for a bipartisan solution to the border issue.

When asked about the takeaways from the loss of critical House races in the 2022 election and how they would influence the upcoming election cycle, Jeffries said there was a need for sustained grassroots efforts and effective communication with voters across New York, especially in battleground districts. He added that Democrats must continue to highlight their achievements and contrast them with the Republican agenda. “If we communicate with voters, put forward enlightened candidates who want to solve problems like Tom Suozzi and articulate to states (our) defense of freedom and the extremism being pushed by this version of the Republican Party, we’ll have the high ground.”

Jeffries said that there needs to be a steadfast effort from Democrats to ensure a strong turnout in November, stressing the importance not to become complacent. “We have to continue to work each and every day,” he said. “This is an evenly divided country, it’s going to be a close election and we’ve got to run through the finish line.”

Jeffries Channels Brooklyn Vibes in DNC Speech

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries brought his trademark Brooklyn rhymes to the Democratic National Convention as he boosted Kamala Harris and vowed to take back the House for Democrats in November. “Kamala Harris is fighting for our freedom, Kamala Harris is fighting for our families, Kamala Harris is fighting for our future,” Jeffries told the crowd Wednesday night.

The dynamic Democratic House minority leader dissed former President Trump as an unwanted old fling who won’t take no for an answer from the American people. “Bro, we broke up with you for a reason,” Jeffries said with a smirk. “Donald Trump can spin the block all he wants, but there’s no reason for us to ever get back together. Been there, done that. We’re not going back.”

Jeffries, who represents Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant, brought the cheering crowd to its feet by ticking off a long laundry list of rights and benefits House Democrats would protect alongside a future President Harris. “Kamala Harris and House Democrats will always put people over politics,” Jeffries said. “Together let’s build a brighter future for our children and our grandchildren.”

A Seven-Day Plan to Elect Harris

He preached to the crowd with a seven-day weekly plan to elect Harris, starting with “strategize on Sunday” and ending with “fight the power on Friday.” “We must continue to speak up, we must continue to show up, we must continue to stand up,” he said. “When we do, nothing can stop Kamala Harris from becoming the 47th president and nothing can stop House Democrats from taking back the majority.”

Democrats need to flip about five seats to regain control of the House, a win that would make Jeffries the next Speaker. “Nothing can stop our march towards a more perfect union,” he added.

A Call to Action

The Brooklyn lawmaker urged fired-up Democrats to take the energy from the convention back to their home states and cities in the weeks ahead. “This is an evenly divided country,” he told reporters earlier Wednesday. “It’s going to be a close election and we’ve got to run through the finish line.”

Jeffries was just the latest in a string of New York elected officials to address the DNC. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wowed the crowd with a remarkable speech that brought the audience to its feet. Although Ocasio-Cortez spoke with her trademark passion, analysts noted more mainstream Democratic themes, a sign she may be moving away from her progressive roots perhaps with an eye to a future run for higher office.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer showed off his best dance steps as he took the stage and vowed to pull off an upset and hold onto the Senate for Democrats in November. Gov. Hochul lit into Trump, calling him a disgrace to their home state. Mayor Adams arrived in Chicago Wednesday but insisted he was not fazed by being passed over for a speaking slot at the DNC.

Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) delivered a strong message on Wednesday in support for women’s rights. “Generations of women fought for our rights: Our right to vote, our right to financial independence and our right to reproductive freedom,” Meng said. “Now it’s our turn to take the torch for our children and grandchildren.”