Jeffries says Democrats 'on the verge' of winning the House. It puts speaker's gavel in reach

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries says his party is close to reclaiming the chamber in the midterm elections, a result that would put him in line for the speakership. Speaking to The Associated Press after a church service in Toledo, Ohio, the New York Democrat said failure is not an option. If elected, he would be the first Black American to serve as speaker and the first Democrat in the post since Nancy Pelosi, according to ABC News.

Party members are readying a 100-day agenda centered on reducing living costs and scrutinizing the administration of President Donald Trump. Jeffries, first elected in 2012, is a corporate lawyer who represents parts of the district once held by Shirley Chisholm. Under his leadership, Democrats forced votes on the Jeffrey Epstein files and ending the Iran war, and he spoke for eight hours against the Republican tax and spending bill.

The speaker vote comes when Congress convenes Jan. 3, and newer challengers, some backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, are emerging. Rep. Greg Casar of Texas, who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Jeffries has surprised people at key moments.

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