Hakeem Jeffries is the U.S. Representative for New York's 8th Congressional District and the leader of House Democrats. Long seen as a rising star in the party, he moved into top leadership as the next-generation figure after Nancy Pelosi's tenure.
Born August 4, 1970, in Brooklyn, Jeffries graduated from Binghamton University, Georgetown University's McCourt School, and NYU School of Law. Before Congress, he served in the New York State Assembly and worked as a lawyer in both the private sector and public service.
In Washington, Jeffries has positioned himself as an establishment Democrat with strong ties to the party's leadership, a focus on voting rights, criminal justice reform, and bread-and-butter economic issues. As a messenger for House Democrats, he's known for sharp floor speeches and a disciplined, media-savvy style.
Establishment Democrat
Achievements
- First Black lawmaker to lead a party caucus in either chamber of Congress.
- Prominent advocate for voting rights, police reform, and criminal justice changes at the federal level.
- Helped negotiate and communicate Democratic priorities during budget showdowns and debt-limit fights.
- Known for disciplined messaging and unifying different factions within the House Democratic caucus.
- Played key roles in shaping Democratic strategy during major legislative battles in recent Congresses.
Controversies
- Criticized from the left for being too close to Wall Street, corporate donors, and pro-Israel lobbying groups.
- Viewed by some progressives as favoring establishment-aligned candidates in Democratic primaries.
- Frequently attacked by Republicans as a partisan messenger and aggressive critic of GOP leadership.
- Occasionally faulted for prioritizing party discipline and message control over insurgent progressive priorities.
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $866,550 | $856,550 | $10,000 |
| BlackRock Inc | $74,275 | $74,275 | $0 |
| Apollo Global Management | $70,200 | $70,200 | $0 |
| MetLife Inc | $68,511 | $61,011 | $7,500 |
| Lockheed Martin | $63,538 | $53,538 | $10,000 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2012 Margin D +35%
2014 Margin D +57%
2016 Margin D +75%
2018 Margin D +82%
2022 Margin D +69%