Democrats claim House as first Black speaker emerges

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries declared "America is back" during a speech in Washington, D.C., following Tuesday's midterm elections. The New York Democrat, who is poised to become the first Black House speaker in history, said his party will implement "transformational change" as soon as they take control of Congress in January.

Jeffries argued that voters sent a clear message to Republican-led Washington that they are done with political extremism and corruption. He stated that the election was a "change election" and that Democrats must deliver dramatic changes because things are broken. His agenda will focus on making the country affordable for every American, specifically targeting housing, education, healthcare, and retirement benefits.

"We're going to fight to make sure that we make this country affordable for every single American," Jeffries said. "This is a change election. And we understand as House Democrats we need to deliver dramatic change. Things are broken. We need a Congress that puts the American people first."

The election results end Republican control of the lower chamber, driven by voter anger over President Trump's handling of the economy, the Iran war, and rising living costs. President Trump will no longer have a GOP-led Congress to set his agenda, which accelerates his lame duck status. However, he retains the power to veto legislation, meaning Democrats will likely face clashes when trying to pass affordability measures.

House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the loss during a gathering in Shreveport, Louisiana. He described the "grand experiment" of democracy as one not controlled by a king or monarch. Johnson said he left it all on the field to retain control but faced unfavorable odds. "From the first day of this election, we knew that to keep the House and sustain our majority we'd have to defy more than a century of midterm history," Johnson said. "It's very, very difficult to overcome and it looks like history will be kept tonight."

Jeffries noted that Democrats overcame a significant financial deficit, as Republicans outspent his party in races across the country. He said voters indicated they are not for sale. The new leadership will also focus on accountability and rooting out corruption among officials who enrich themselves, their families, friends, or donors at the expense of the American people.