House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries says his party is close to taking back the House. He spoke to The Associated Press (AP) after attending a Sunday church service in Toledo, Ohio, less than two weeks before the November 3 midterm election. 1
We’re on the verge of taking back control of the House,
Jeffries is on track to become House speaker if Democrats win a majority and elect him to the job. The speaker is second in line to the presidency. He would be the first Black American to hold the gavel and the first Democratic speaker since Nancy Pelosi of California. 1
AP reports that Jeffries has campaigned for House Democrats in more than 50 cities. The House elects its speaker when the new Congress convenes January 3. 1
What Democrats say they would do first
Democrats are preparing an agenda for their first 100 days. It centers on lowering the cost of living and on oversight of the Trump administration. Jeffries says the goal is to hold the administration accountable. 1
An earlier AP report, from October 14, says Democrats plan to begin within the first 100 hours of the new Congress. Early priorities include restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits, which help people buy health insurance. They also include reversing Republican cuts to Medicaid, the government health program for low-income people, and undoing Trump's tariffs. 2
Jeffries has set up five working groups on health care, housing, groceries and goods, gas and utilities, and caregiving. Each is co-led by a progressive and a centrist Democrat. 2
We need to lower the cost of groceries and gas.
Oversight and its limits
The top Democrats on the House Oversight and Judiciary committees are preparing investigations into Trump, his family and his administration. Impeachment is not ruled out. 2
There are limits. How much Democrats can do depends on the size of their majority and on whether they also win the Senate. Trump would keep his veto power. 2
Rep. Troy Carter, a Louisiana Democrat, said: "We will not be able to fix everything overnight." 2
The record so far
AP says Democrats have forced votes that Republican leaders tried to avoid, including votes on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files and on halting the Iran war. Jeffries also gave an eight-hour speech against the Republican tax and spending bill, focusing on cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the food aid program. 1
Rep. Brad Schneider of Illinois, outgoing chairman of the New Democrat Coalition, called Jeffries "quietly effective." 1
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana leads one of the smallest House majorities in modern times. Johnson says that if Republicans keep control, they would continue "putting the conditions in place for a strong America again." 12
What happens next
Jeffries could face a test right away. AP reports that a new generation of upstarts, including some candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, is pressing the party's leadership. 1
That matters because the House is the one chamber where voters can change who sets the agenda and who can demand answers. Control would decide which bills get votes and which investigations get subpoenas. Voters decide on November 3. 12
The Record
- AP reports House Democrats are preparing a 100-day agenda built on living costs and oversight of the Trump administration 2
- Jeffries tells AP Democrats are 'on the verge' of retaking the House 1
- Midterm election will decide control of Congress 1
- The new Congress convenes and the House elects its speaker 1
Sources
- ABC News (AP), “Jeffries says Democrats 'on the verge' of winning the House. It puts speaker's gavel in reach” (2026-10-22). abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/jeffries-democrats-verge-winn
- ABC News (AP), “House Democrats plan a first 100-days agenda if they sweep to power in midterm elections” (2026-10-14). abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/house-democrats-plan-100-days
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