Jeffries Downplays 41-Seat Threat From Progressive Primary Wins as Israel Policy Splits Democrats
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 8
Jeffries Downplays 41-Seat Threat From Progressive Primary Wins as Israel Policy Splits Democrats
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 8
Summary
45 minutes into his first post-primary interview, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed the recent left-wing surge as a manageable issue if Democrats retake the House.
Recent primary wins by young anti-establishment candidates have been fueled in part by Democratic voters rethinking the party’s longstanding support for Israel, exposing frustration with leaders seen as too tied to the status quo.
Jeffries said he does not expect the same kind of left-flank turmoil that has plagued Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, arguing Democrats would not govern with such a narrow majority.
He pointed instead to Democrats’ 2018 midterm performance, when the party gained 41 seats, as the model for a larger majority that could blunt internal rebellions if he becomes speaker.