Jeffries welcomes democratic socialists into the fold as critics warn party is revealing ‘exactly who it is’
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries publicly embraced a new crop of congressional candidates on Saturday; among them were three candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, whose primary victories sparked new debate about the Democratic Party’s leftward shift ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The powerful New York lawmaker’s post underscores the challenge facing the top House Democrat as he tries to unite his party ahead of the general election. If Democrats take back the House of Representatives in November, Jeffries is expected to be the next speaker.
That means he’ll likely lead the Democratic caucus more self-described democratic socialists more than ever. So far, more than a dozen American-backed Democratic Socialist candidates have won or advanced in nationwide primaries this election cycle.
In a post X“Congratulations to our Democratic candidates,” Jeffries wrote before listing the party’s congressional candidates from across New York. Among those recognized were Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier; All were affiliated with or supported by the Democratic Socialists of America and had triumphed in last week’s closely watched Democratic primary.
“From public officials to union organizers to community activists, the path is different but the work is the same,” Jeffries wrote. “We must decisively address the affordability crisis and crush far-right extremism!”
Lander, Chevalier and Valdez get support from New York City Mayor Zohran MamdaniTheir support helped strengthen the growing influence of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party in New York politics. Lander and Chevalier defeated incumbent Reps. Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat, who Jeffries supported, in the Democratic primary. Jeffries did not support the open-seat race won by Claire Valdez.
Now, as Democrats turn their attention to the general election, he appears to be rallying behind the party’s candidates trying to win back the House of Representatives in November.
Socialist candidates are also concerned about resurgent social media posts, support for defunding the police, andIsrael rhetoric, positions that put them at odds with many in the Democratic Party.
Socialist New York congressional candidates Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez and Brad Lander.
(Getty Images)
Chevalier has faced scrutiny over resurfaced social media posts, including one in which he called for “the literal removal of the border.”
He also faces renewed scrutiny for past social media posts targeting prominent Democrats, including calling out the former President. Joe Biden a “war criminal” who attacked former Vice President Kamala Harris and berated Senator Bernie Sanders on Israel.
Like Chevalier, Valdez and Lander, who is Jewish, share his views that Israel is committing “genocide” in Gaza.
Jeffries’ decision to publicly congratulate the three nominees quickly sparked criticism.
The Republican Jewish Coalition criticized Jeffries’ congratulatory message, warning Jewish voters that these candidates were not the Democrats’ “debut” but the new faces of the party.
“To Jewish Democrats: your party is telling you EXACTLY who you are,” the coalition wrote. “These future members of Congress welcomed with open arms by @hakeemjeffries want to: Abolish prisons and borders. defending the police. Downplay 9/11,” describes other serious controversies emanating from the candidates.
Jamie Metzl, ex National Security The Council and State Department official and lifelong Democrat condemned Jeffries for congratulating the candidates.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks at a news conference in Manhattan on Thursday.
“When I first read this post, I thought it was from a fake account. I am deeply concerned that it is completely real,” Metzl wrote. “To welcome these candidates without acknowledging and criticizing their sympathies with what the United States defines as terrorist organizations, their calls to abolish the police, their stated desire to dismantle Western civilization, and their blatant anti-Americanism is to sacrifice the fundamental principles of the Democratic Party.”
Metzl took Jeffries to his Bid to become speaker of the House of Representatives ahead of the principles of the Democratic Party.
“I understand your ambition to become Speaker if Democrats retake the House, but you must not sacrifice the principles of our party to advance your own political ambitions,” Metzl said. he wrote.
The Democratic leadership was on the hot seat this week, facing questions from the media about how to reconcile support for a slate of socialist candidates in New York, especially after the election. Valdez’s supporters shouted “You’re next” on a television screen showing Jeffries on Tuesday night.
“They will eat the next member of Congress and replace him with one of their own,” conservative commentator Meghan McCain said Published on X
“This is hilarious,” conservative commentator Robby Starbuck said. Published on X. “Hakeem still doesn’t realize the communists are going to eat him alive. He’s clearly not a student of history. Bless his heart.”
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Speaking on CNN on Friday, Jeffries said: “What happened in a handful of primaries in one of the bluest cities in the country is in no way indicative of what needs to happen in November, where we need to re-elect every single member of the front line, level-headed Democrats who are truly committed to making the lives of the American people better and who stand up to these extreme Republicans who are nothing more than a reckless rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s agenda.
“And make sure we also flip red seats blue, including New York-17, where war veteran, incredibly patriotic American Cait Conley also emerged from the primary on Tuesday and is an incredibly strong candidate. She’ll beat Mike Lawler in New York in November.”
Original article source: Jeffries welcomes democratic socialists into the fold as critics warn the party is revealing ‘exactly who it is’
