Hakeem Jeffries poised to become first Black U.S. House speaker amid progressive opposition over Israel ties

Hakeem Jeffries, a Democratic representative from New York, is positioned to become the first Black speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives when the next Congress convenes in January 2027. He would lead a Democratic majority and set the chamber’s legislative agenda. Jeffries has stated that a change in direction is needed for the U.S.-Israel relationship.

His strong support for Israel and ties to AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobbying group, have angered progressive Democrats who want the party leadership to pressure the Israeli government more forcefully. Critics have also objected to his opposition to an amendment ending U.S. military assistance to Israel.

“He’s not the far left, he’s not rolling out a DSA agenda. But I think it is going to be a different agenda.”

AIPAC provided financial support for Jeffries during the midterm campaign. According to Democracy Now!, some of his funding comes from private political organizations including AIPAC. A dozen legislators and aides told Axios that House Democrats are receiving many calls and emails urging them not to elect the minority leader.

Progressive lawmakers have withdrawn some of their support for Jeffries. Hadar Susskind, president and CEO of New Jewish Narrative, said Jeffries must lead a caucus that includes a much larger group of members who care deeply about Israeli-Palestinian policy and feel pressure to deliver for their voters.

Jeffries has retained AIPAC’s support and voted against an immediate cutoff of military aid to Israel. He has built close ties with several Jewish organizations and leaders. The executive director of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island praised Jeffries for securing $1 million for the group in 2024. He also secured $850,000 for the Shorefront Jewish Community Council in Brighton Beach.

If elected, Jeffries would preside over a different agenda than past Democratic Congresses and the current Republican Congress, according to Susskind. He campaigned on affordable housing, education, health care, and pensions. In his midterm victory speech, he said the system no longer works and that Congress must prioritize the American people.