Hakeem Jeffries, the top House Democrat set to become the next Speaker, celebrated the party’s strong showing in the US midterm elections on Wednesday. He described the results as an American tsunami that gave Democrats control of both the House and Senate.
Speaking at a news conference in Washington, Jeffries said the victories were far more than a simple blue wave. “It wasn’t simply a blue wave. It was an American tsunami,” he declared. The Brooklyn Democrat is expected to become the first Black person to lead the House when the new Congress opens in January.
Jeffries told reporters his party felt humbled by the outcome and promised to fight for every American. Earlier on the Morning Joe program, he called the results a clear rejection of President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. At the same time, he stressed that Democrats would not seek revenge.
“The American people don’t want us to get even,” Jeffries said. “They want us to get things done on their behalf. Because life is way too expensive. We ran on affordability. We won on affordability. And now it’s our job to govern on affordability.”
He pointed to the high cost of groceries, gas, housing and health care as the central issues that drove voters. Jeffries highlighted a housing affordability bill that passed both chambers with large bipartisan support in July. Although President Trump refused to sign it and called it unimportant, the measure became law after the constitutional deadline passed without his signature. Jeffries said the bill should serve as a foundation for further action to reduce living costs in the next Congress.
The incoming Speaker also urged the president to end the war in Iran before the new Congress begins. He argued that the conflict has pushed up fuel and fertiliser prices, which then raised the cost of groceries and everyday goods.
Jeffries further warned about the price of corruption. Referring to various allegations surrounding Trump’s financial dealings, he said Democrats would follow the facts, apply the law, respect the Constitution and hold wrongdoers accountable.
With Democrats now controlling both chambers, Jeffries made clear that the party’s focus remains on delivering practical results for ordinary Americans rather than political score-settling.
