The Democratic Party’s congressional victory quickly gave way to an ugly internal brawl over who should become the next Speaker of the House. Democrats won majorities in both the House and Senate during a “blue tsunami,” but unity proved elusive.
New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries entered the race for Speaker on Wednesday. His bid immediately drew resistance from liberals who argued [1] that the Democratic establishment should not automatically dictate the chamber’s next leader.
Hakeem Jeffries just sent members a “Dear Colleague” letter announcing his candidacy for House Speaker:
“As part of our effort to turn things around, every single member of our majority will play a meaningful role. My goal is to empower you to act decisively in three key areas: (1) Affordability (2) Accountability and (3) American Values.”
— Michael Jones (@bymichaeljones) November 4, 2026 [2]
Nearly 400,000 liberals signed an online petition declaring Jeffries “not the right choice.” The petition stated, “We believe the Speaker should represent the Democratic voters, not just the Democratic establishment.”
The appeal urged House Democrats to examine Jeffries’ public record, policy positions, campaign donors, and leadership. It also called on them to listen to constituents who oppose elevating him to the Speakership.
More than 370,000 signers said they were “calling on every member of the incoming 120th Congress to vote against Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker in January 2027 and choose a different candidate.” They also encouraged other Democrats to enter the contest.
⛔️Nationwide petition to remove AIPAC-compromised Israeli genocide supporter @hakeemjeffries from any potential leadership position in the new Congress. 210k have already signed. https://t.co/9xcejZS4sv https://t.co/TIGdyyfbCH
— Dr.Sam Youssef Ph.D.,Ph.D.,DPT. (@drhossamsamy65) November 5, 2026 [3]
Actor Mark Ruffalo shared the petition with his 7.8 million followers. The leftist actor urged them to “sign this petition if you want a new Speaker of the House.”
➡️ Actor Mark Ruffalo, an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, is urging people to sign a petition calling on House Democrats to reject Hakeem Jeffries for speaker and choose another candidate.
Jeffries has remained a staunch supporter of Israel throughout its genocide in Gaza, backing U.S. military aid and describing his commitment to Israel’s security as “ironclad and unbreakable.”
— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) November 5, 2026 [4]
Several people who signed the petition attacked Jeffries as an establishment Democrat and criticized his support for Israel. Their comments made clear that the fight was not simply about personality, but also about the party’s ideological direction.
‘Israel today, Israel tomorrow, Israel forever!’
Shalom to the new Speaker of the House Hakeem Jeffries https://t.co/NVigduuYSK
— The Gulag (@WelcomeTheGulag) November 4, 2026 [5]
One signatory rejected Jeffries, Senator Chuck Schumer, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and what he called the status quo. He demanded progressive leadership modeled after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“We got out and voted; now the Democrats we voted in better do more than whine and talk,” the signatory wrote. Another petition supporter demanded “no more establishment speakers.”
A third supporter argued, “The speaker should be somebody who actually stands up to MAGA bullies instead of buddying up to them.” The objections presented Jeffries as too closely connected to the party establishment for the progressive voters behind the petition.
Jeffries nevertheless announced his candidacy on Wednesday evening and promoted his record as Democratic leader. He said the party “forcefully stood up for the American people and charted a path for dramatic change.”
Among the accomplishments Jeffries cited was a “first-of-its-kind litigation task force to oppose the Trump Administration in court, helping win critical cases to uphold birthright citizenship, protect the right to vote by mail and stop the President from unilaterally deploying the National Guard to intimidate the American people.”
Jeffries also said Democrats pushed for transparency and accountability regarding the Epstein files. He claimed the House minority “decisively won the healthcare battle in connection with the 43-day government shutdown, setting the stage for the House to pass a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits over the objection of Republican leadership.”
Enough is enough.
Hakeem Jeffries actively opposes Medicare for All because he and most of his party takes bribes from big insurance companies.
Join the more than 300,000 people who have signed the petition below to Stop Jeffries from becoming Speaker! https://t.co/95i8hLBggp
— Power to the People ☭ (@ProudSocialist) November 5, 2026 [6]
The New York congressman further said Democrats opposed the war in Iran, which he blamed for rising gas prices and damage to national security. “Against all odds, House Democrats were consistently successful in the minority,” Jeffries said.
“We must now deliver the dramatic change the American people are demanding in the majority,” he continued. His stated priorities included affordability, accountability, liberty, equal protection under the law, voting rights, and the nation’s heritage as a country of immigrants.
With Republicans losing both congressional chambers, President Trump will enter a lame duck period during his final two years in office. Democrats will have the power to block his legislative agenda, leaving him more dependent on executive orders in areas where he retains authority.
Trump can also use his veto to prevent Democratic policies from becoming law. At the same time, he faces the prospect of Democratic investigations involving himself, his allies and his family, along with the possibility of a third impeachment.
Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia, who is set to chair the House oversight committee and lead some of those investigations, issued a blunt warning to Trump and his allies: “Lawyer up.” The Daily Mail said it contacted Jeffries for comment.