Hakeem Jeffries

Hakeem Sekou Jeffries (English: Hakeem Sekou Jeffries, /ˌhɑːˈkiːm/, born August 4, 1970) is an American politician and lawyer who currently serves as the minority leader of the United States House of Representatives and the leader of the House Democratic Caucus. Represents New York State's 8th Congressional District since 2013, primarily in southern and eastern Brooklyn. Before being elected to Congress in 2012, Jeffress served three terms in the New York State Assembly, representing the 57th District and as a corporate attorney. Jeffries was born and raised in Crown Ridge, Brooklyn, New York City. He attended New York University School of Law, graduating magna cum laude, and became a corporate lawyer before running for public office. His state House and congressional districts are both in Brooklyn. He served as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus from 2019 to 2023 and was elected unopposed as caucus leader in November 2022, succeeding Nancy Pelosi. This made him the first African American to serve as a party leader in either house of the United States Congress. He is considered close to the center and maintains good relations with moderate Republicans and the left wing of the Democratic Party. His votes align with those of President Joe Biden in the 117th Congress. Jeffries supports stricter gun controls and a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. He is also a staunch supporter of Israeli rights and is considered the most pro-Israel Democrat in the House.