Politics

Jeffries Hails Democratic Midterm Victory as ‘American Tsunami’ and Promises Focus on Affordability

By Al Jazeera Staff

Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries celebrated his party’s sweeping win in the U.S. midterm elections, describing the results as an “American tsunami” as Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress. Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Jeffries said Democrats expect to secure at least 255 House seats once all vote counts are finalized, giving the party what he called a historic majority. "The American people have chosen common sense over corruption, chaos and cruelty," he said.

Jeffries, who is slated to become the first Black Speaker of the House when the new Congress convenes in January, said the outcome reflected Americans’ desire for a change in direction. "We’re humbled by the outcome," he added, pledging a “relentless effort to make life more affordable for everyday Americans.” He also noted that Democrats would focus on governing rather than seeking revenge against President Donald Trump and his allies.

During an earlier appearance on MS Now’s Morning Joe, Jeffries said Democrats ran on and won on affordability, and that now it is their job to govern on that principle. The party campaigned on reducing the rising costs of groceries, gasoline, housing and healthcare, which have left many Americans feeling squeezed.

Jeffries acknowledged that Trump’s threat to use his veto power could hinder new legislation, even with a Democratic majority. He cited a bipartisan housing‑affordability bill passed in July as an example of the type of legislation Democrats could pursue; the bill became law without Trump’s signature after he dismissed it as "a yawn" and "so unimportant." He also said Democrats would hold the Trump administration accountable for any wrongdoing, while emphasizing that Americans want results, not retribution. "There’s a cost to corruption," he said, adding that Democrats would follow the facts and the law and "let the chips fall where they may."