Progressive Caucus members downplay cracks breaking around support for Jeffries
SUMMARY
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is facing criticism from within the Democratic Party after failing to secure a House majority and being accused by some progressives of not pressing President Biden to step aside in favor of Kamala Harris. An anonymous lawmaker reportedly suggested that former Speaker Nancy Pelosi should have taken action to remove Biden from the 2024 ticket. Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, however, defended Jeffries as a "very powerful leader." Jeffries acknowledged that Democrats need a "clear-eyed" review of election results and expressed the importance of collaborating with the incoming Republican administration where possible. Some Democrats attributed their defeat to an inability to connect with working-class voters and to polarizing stances on transgender issues in sports. While the Republicans are expected to retain a slim House majority, the final count remains close, with several races still undecided.
