Exclusive: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries discusses midterms, affordability & the future of the Democratic Party
The extended interview explored the midterm stakes, affordability, the war in Iran, immigration enforcement, government accountability, as well as the divisions within the Democratic Party and its future.
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House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries says voter frustration over the cost of living and key congressional races in New York will help Democrats regain the House in November.
In an extended and wide-ranging interview with News 12’s senior reporter Tara Rosenblum, Jeffries said that in his travels around the country, he has found that Americans are ready for a change.
Jeffries says incumbents remain the priority
Jeffries stressed that protecting New York incumbents like Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen remain the party’s top priority, while calling the 17th Congressional District race where Cait Conley is challenging Rep. Mike Lawler "incredibly important."
Affordability at center of Democratic pitch
With affordability as Democrats' core message, Jeffries proposed housing construction incentives, tax credit expansions, and taking legislative steps to bring an end to the "reckless, unnecessary war" in Iran driving up energy costs.
Iran and the power of the purse
Jeffries did not rule out using congressional spending authority to force an end to the conflict, emphasizing that Democrats will examine all available legislative options to support what Americans want.
Jeffries calls for changes to ICE
Jeffries sharply criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, demanding judicial warrants, body cameras, and unmasked agents, while backing Mayor Zohran Mamdani's decision to keep NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Jeffries calls for two-state solution, dismantling Hamas
Reiterating support for a two-state solution, Jeffries said achieving lasting peace requires dismantling Hamas, increasing Gaza aid and cracking down on West Bank settler violence.
Jeffries calls for federal action on AI
Backing Gov. Kathy Hochul’s data center moratorium, Jeffries argued Congress must step in with bipartisan safeguards because "we can't be the case that we allow the industry alone to police itself."
Addressing campus safety and consent
Following a high-profile sexual assault case at Cornell University, Jeffries called the allegations deeply troubling and said the House Education and Labor Committee should examine whether federal standards are needed to keep students safe on college campuses.
What about 2028?
Looking past the midterms, Jeffries declined to name 2028 presidential contenders but praised next-generation voices like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pat Ryan as strong leaders with bright futures.
‘Optimistic’
Reflecting on the legacy of Shirley Chisholm at Brooklyn's Shirley Chisholm State Park, Jeffries acknowledged the historic stakes of potentially becoming the country's first Black speaker of the House.
Summing up his mood in one word, Jeffries said: “Optimistic.”
Catch the complete half-hour conversation on News 12, News 12 New York, or streaming on the News 12 YouTube channel on Monday, Oct. 19 at 9 p.m.
