04.11.2026 08:20
Speaking after projections that Democrats won the majority in the House of Representatives following the midterm elections in the US, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said, "America is back. The great American comeback begins today." Pledging to lower housing, food, and gasoline prices, reverse Medicaid cuts, and pursue corruption allegations, Jeffries said, "America is not for sale." Jeffries would be the first Black person to hold the role if elected Speaker of the House.
After the midterm elections held in the US on November 3, as the Democratic Party's chances of gaining a majority in the House of Representatives strengthened, noteworthy statements came from Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries. Addressing supporters at his party's election night headquarters in Washington, DC, Jeffries assessed the election results as an indication of the demand for change in the country.
After the elections in which Democrats achieved strong results, Jeffries said that solving economic problems, making access to healthcare easier, and investigating corruption allegations in public administration would be their priorities.
“AMERICA IS BACK”
In his election night speech, Jeffries linked the results to the American people's desire for change and said, “This is an election for change. We need to bring about fundamental change. Things are not going well.”
Continuing his speech, Jeffries used the phrases “America is back. The great American comeback begins today,” arguing that the election results marked the beginning of a new era.
“WE WILL FIGHT TO LOWER HOUSING, GROCERY, AND GASOLINE PRICES”
Listing the Democrats' priorities for the new period, Jeffries particularly drew attention to the high cost of living. Stating that Americans are under economic pressure due to housing, food, and energy expenses, the Democratic leader said they would work to lower prices in these areas.
Jeffries said, “We will fight resolutely to reduce the high cost of housing, groceries, and gasoline.”
EMPHASIS ON HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAID CUTS
Stating that access to healthcare would also be one of the main topics on the Democrats' agenda, Jeffries said that everyone in need should have the financial means to see a doctor.
Jeffries said, “We will fight to ensure that every American can see a doctor when they need one.” The Democratic leader also announced that they would work to reverse the cuts made to the Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to low-income Americans.
In the first 100-day work plan they prepared before the election, Democrats had also listed reversing Medicaid cuts and restructuring health insurance subsidies among their priority goals.
“WE WILL HOLD THOSE WHO COMMIT CORRUPTION ACCOUNTABLE”
In his speech, Jeffries also touched on corruption allegations in public administration. Stating that Democrats would effectively use oversight mechanisms in the new period, Jeffries said that those he claimed were involved in unprecedented corruption in the country would be held accountable.
Also criticizing the influence of wealthy individuals in election campaigns, Jeffries said, “The rich, the wealthy, and those with powerful connections tried to buy this election. The American people, however, gave a strong response and made it clear that America is not for sale.”
“THIS IS NOT A PARTISAN MOMENT, BUT A PATRIOTIC ONE”
At the end of his speech, Jeffries argued that the election results should not be evaluated only from the perspective of the Democratic Party.
Saying “This is not a partisan moment, but a patriotic one,” Jeffries addressed his supporters with the words, “This is a red, white, and blue moment. Because tonight, America won.”
HE COULD SET A FIRST IN US HISTORY
If the projections that Democrats will win a majority in the House of Representatives materialize and the House elects him speaker, Hakeem Jeffries will become the first Black person to hold this position in US history.
Decision Desk HQ projected that Democrats won the House majority. However, election projections do not mean that official results are final. Democrats' gaining a majority could change the balance of power in Congress during the remainder of the Trump administration's term.