Dozens of Democratic Candidates Decline to Back Hakeem Jeffries as Party Leadership Faces Growing Tension

Despite the criticism, Jeffries’ team dismissed suggestions that the Democratic leader has lost support.

“Leader Jeffries is focused on battling Donald Trump, ending the Republican shutdown of the federal government, and addressing the GOP’s healthcare crisis,” spokesperson Justin Chermol said in a statement to Axios.

Chermol emphasized that Jeffries remains committed to leading the caucus through unity and discipline — a strategy that has earned him praise for keeping Democrats cohesive in recent votes, even amid deep ideological differences.

What It Means for 2026

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