New York State Representative Hakeem Jeffries is the new chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.
Jeffries defeated longtime Congresswoman Barbara Lee with a vote of 123-113, according to HuffPost. The race was polarizing since both politicians are members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Democratic caucus chair is the fifth highest position in the party, according to The New York Times. This position could result in Jeffries becoming the first Black speaker of the House in American history. When asked if he wanted to be the speaker, Jeffries responded “not at all” due to the “a heavy burden” from his new job.
His victory is also a signal of generational change.
“Hakeem represents the leading edge of a new wave of Democrats,” said former New York Congressman Steve Israel. “I think he tapped into a sense in the caucus that the next generation of leaders needs to begin crystallizing.”
At 48 years old, Jeffries is one of the youngest top Democrats. Septuagenarians like speaker hopeful Nancy Pelosi will hold a majority of positions. Lee, 72, believes her age and gender lead to her loss.
“That’s something women, especially women of color and African-American women, have to fight constantly, each and every day,” she said. “We still have many glass ceilings to break.”
Jeffries said their duel was a “friendly competition of ideas.”
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