Speaker Heastie Statement on Election of Rep. Hakeem Jeffries to Lead House Democratic Caucus

Congratulations to my friend and former colleague Hakeem Jeffries. A Brooklynite and fellow graduate of New York City Public Schools, Hakeem is an extraordinary leader, a consensus builder and the ultimate team player.

Representative Jeffries will also have the historic distinction of being the first Black leader for House Democrats. He will know how to bring together a diverse caucus of more than 200 Democrats with different ideologies and different priorities from different regions of the country. As the first Black speaker of the New York State Assembly, I know how important it is for people of color to have these leadership roles.

I am confident he will continue to help move our country forward and fight for Americans and New Yorkers alike.