Hakeem Jeffries elected chair of House Democratic Caucus

November 28, 2018 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

U.S. Rep Hakeem Jeffries, AP Photo/Alex Brandon

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Brooklyn and Queens will have a seat at the table when important decisions are made in the new Democratic-controlled House in January.

U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat whose congressional district cuts across Brooklyn and Queens, was elected by his fellow Democrats on Wednesday to serve as chairperson of the House Democratic Caucus.

It’s the fourth highest position in the Democratic House leadership.

As caucus chairperson, Jeffries will preside over caucus meetings and help the House Speaker and other top House leaders to set the party’s legislative agenda.

Jeffries, an ally of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, defeated U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California) 123-113 for the coveted post. Lee would have been the first black woman to become caucus chairperson.

Jeffries, who campaigned for the post on a platform of increasing diversity in the top ranks of the Democratic Party in Washington, will succeed outgoing U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens).

Crowley was defeated in the Democratic Primary in June by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a rising star in the Democratic Party who went on to win the general election earlier this month.