Some Incoming House Democrats Haven't Committed to Jeffries for Speaker, Fox News Reports

Status: Tuesday interviews are attributed to Fox News Digital. Monday quotes from some of the same members appeared earlier in Politico Playbook and were also carried by the Washington Examiner. This is not a report that Jeffries has lost the nomination or that a formal challenge has been launched.

Fox News Digital reports that some incoming House Democrats have not committed to supporting House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York for speaker, as Democrats prepare to take control of the House in January.

Rep.-elect Adam Hamawy, a New Jersey Democrat, told Fox News Digital that he "hasn't decided yet" whether he will support Jeffries. Rep.-elect Patty Garcia of Illinois, Fox reported, said she would "be united with the progressive caucus" when deciding how to vote.

Rep.-elect Claire Valdez, a Democratic Socialists of America member elected in New York's 7th District, declined to comment when Fox asked whether she would support Jeffries. Rep.-elect Jamie Ager of North Carolina also declined to comment. Incoming Texas Democrat Katie Padilla Stout said, "I don't know, we'll see." Rep.-elect Fred Wellman of Missouri told Fox he had not made up his mind.

Fox also reported support for Jeffries among several incoming lawmakers expected to join the Congressional Black Caucus. Rep.-elect Adrian Boafo told the outlet, "I am for Hakeem Jeffries. There is no doubt about that, he will be a transformative speaker and I truly think that his leadership is going to change the country for the better." Rep.-elect Jasmine Clark of Georgia said she would "absolutely" vote for Jeffries. Rep.-elect Cyril Jefferson of North Carolina said he was leaning toward supporting Jeffries but wanted the caucus to have an open discussion about legislative priorities. Sitting Rep. Wesley Bell of Missouri, a CBC member, told Fox he is "Hakeem Jeffries all the way."

Incoming Representatives Scott Wiener of California and Brad Lander of New York said they support Jeffries for speaker but believe the party should remain open to internal debate over its priorities, Fox reported. Despite uncertainty among some incoming members, Lander predicted that Jeffries would be "overwhelmingly elected."

The Democratic caucus is expected to select its nominee for speaker next week, Fox reported, ahead of the full House vote when the 120th Congress convenes in January.

On Monday, Politico Playbook, in reporting also carried by the Washington Examiner, said some incoming Democrats had already declined to commit. Hamawy told Politico, "I haven't yet," and added, "Still have that option open." Valdez said, "So far uncommitted." Rep.-elect Darializa Avila Chevalier of New York said, "I haven't come to a decision yet."

Background: DSA-Backed House Candidates Won't Commit to Backing Jeffries for Speaker.

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• DSA-Backed House Candidates Won't Commit to Backing Jeffries for Speaker