Jeffries likes Democrats' chances in race for the House as he campaigns in Ohio

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries argued Sunday that the political environment still favors his party as it tries to win back the House, making a stop in Toledo, Ohio, to support Rep. Marcy Kaptur. Her district, which Donald Trump carried, is among the seats that could decide which party controls the chamber. Kaptur, 80, is the longest-serving woman in the House. Republicans are targeting her again, with Derek Merrin, whom she beat two years ago, back as their candidate, according to ABC News · PBS NewsHour.

Jeffries, who would become speaker if Democrats prevail, has made appearances in roughly 50 cities. He said Speaker Mike Johnson is out of touch if he believes the Nov. 3 vote will mirror the 2024 results, and he pitched Democrats as the party focused on affordability.

Jeffries also condemned Trump's late Friday move to waive sanctions on Russia that Congress had passed to aid Ukraine, saying House members from both parties would work on a replacement package the president could not waive. Kaptur, who founded the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said Trump had sided with Putin. Johnson said colleagues have voiced worries and that the consequences deserve careful consideration.

Summarized by PolitiKool from ABC News · PBS NewsHour’s reporting. Read the full story at ABC News · PBS NewsHour →