Even after Democrats captured majorities in both chambers of Congress in what was dubbed a “blue tsunami,” divisions within the party are already threatening to shape the race for the next Speaker of the House.
New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries announced his bid for the gavel on Wednesday, but opposition emerged almost immediately. Nearly 400,000 liberals have signed an online petition arguing that Jeffries is “not the right choice” for the position.
“We believe the Speaker should represent the Democratic voters, not just the Democratic establishment,” the petition states.
It calls on House Democrats to review Jeffries’ public record, policy views, campaign donors and leadership record, while also taking seriously the concerns of constituents who oppose his elevation to Speaker.
The appeal says there is still time for another Democrat to seek the nomination—someone whose priorities more closely match those of the voters who helped deliver the party’s congressional majority.
More than 370,000 signatories say they are urging every member of the incoming 120th Congress to reject Jeffries in the January 2027 vote and support an alternative candidate.
The petition also invites other Democrats who believe they would better represent the party’s voters to enter the contest.
Left-wing actor Mark Ruffalo helped amplify the campaign, telling his 7.8 million social-media followers to sign the petition if they wanted a new Speaker of the House.
New York Democrat Hakeem Jeffries announced his campaign for Speaker of the House on Wednesday
Actor Mark Ruffalo promoted a petition opposing Hakeem Jeffries’ selection as the next House Speaker
Many of the liberal signatories criticized Jeffries as an establishment figure, particularly over his support for Israel.
“Can we please learn from past mistakes and move beyond corporate, centrist and greedy politicians who lead us straight back to Republican control?” one signer wrote.
The commenter rejected the prospects of Senator Chuck Schumer, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Jeffries, writing: “No on Schumer. No on Jeffries. No on Pelosi. No on the status quo.”
“We need progressive, swift and decisive leadership. Get it done and get it done fast—I’m talking Mamdani-style and nothing less,” the signer added, referring to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“We went out and voted. Now the Democrats we elected better do more than complain and talk,” another signer said.
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A second critic called for “no more establishment speakers,” while another argued that the next Speaker should stand up to MAGA supporters rather than cooperate with them.
Jeffries, however, showed no sign of backing away. He formally launched his campaign for Speaker on Wednesday evening.
In announcing his candidacy, he praised the work of House Democrats during his tenure, saying the party had “forcefully stood up for the American people and charted a path for dramatic change.”
Jeffries highlighted what he described as a first-of-its-kind litigation task force created to challenge the Trump administration in court. He said the effort helped secure important victories involving birthright citizenship, voting by mail and limits on the president’s ability to deploy the National Guard to intimidate Americans.
He also said Democrats had pushed for greater transparency and accountability surrounding the so-called Epstein files. According to Jeffries, House Democrats prevailed in the healthcare dispute tied to the 43-day government shutdown, paving the way for the House to approve a three-year extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits over Republican opposition.
Jeffries further claimed that Democrats had strongly opposed what he called a reckless and costly war of choice in Iran, which he said had driven up gas prices and weakened national security.
“Against all odds, House Democrats were consistently successful in the minority,” the New York congressman said.
Now in the majority, he said, Democrats must deliver the sweeping change voters are demanding. His agenda will focus on affordability, accountability and a return to what he called traditional American values, including liberty and justice for all, equal protection under the law, the right to vote in a representative democracy and the country’s identity as a nation of immigrants.
With Democrats controlling both chambers, Trump is expected to enter a lame-duck period during his final two years in office as lawmakers block much of his agenda
Democratic control of the House and Senate is expected to push Trump into a lame-duck period during the final two years of his presidency, giving lawmakers greater power to obstruct his legislative plans.
Rather than relying on Congress to pass new laws, Trump will have to make greater use of executive authority in areas including tariffs, immigration, foreign policy and military action. He can also use his veto power to prevent Democratic proposals from becoming law.
The president is also likely to face Democrat-led investigations into his conduct, his allies and members of his family. A third impeachment effort has not been ruled out.
Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia, who is expected to oversee some of those inquiries as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, delivered a direct warning to Trump and his allies: “Lawyer up.”
The Daily Mail has contacted Jeffries’ office for comment.