History of Hakeem Jeffries in Timeline

Hakeem Jeffries is an American politician and attorney, currently serving as House Minority Leader since 2023. He has also led the House Democratic Caucus. Representing New York's 8th congressional district since 2013, Jeffries is in his seventh term as a U.S. Representative. Prior to his congressional service, he served three terms in the New York State Assembly from 2007 to 2012. His career reflects a dedication to public service and leadership within the Democratic party.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 4, 1970: Hakeem Jeffries Born

On August 4, 1970, Hakeem Sekou Jeffries was born. He is an American politician and attorney.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Graduation from Midwood High School

In 1988, Hakeem Jeffries graduated from Midwood High School.

1992: Graduation from Binghamton University

In 1992, Hakeem Jeffries graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors and became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

1994: Master of Public Policy Degree

In 1994, Hakeem Jeffries earned a Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) degree from the McCourt School of Public Policy of Georgetown University.

1997: Juris Doctor Degree

In 1997, Hakeem Jeffries graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor degree from the School of Law of New York University, where he was a member of the NYU Law Review and delivered the student address at Convocation.

1997: Green Runs for New York City Public Advocate

In 1997, incumbent assemblyman Roger Green ran for New York City Public Advocate.

1998: Private Practice at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison

From 1998, Hakeem Jeffries was in private practice at the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison until 2004.

2000: Jeffries Challenges Incumbent Assemblyman Roger Green in Democratic Primary

In 2000, Hakeem Jeffries, while a lawyer at Paul Weiss, challenged incumbent assemblyman Roger Green in the Democratic primary. Jeffries lost the primary, 59% to 41%, but remained on the Independence Party line in the general election.

2002: Redistricting Leaves Jeffries unable to challenge Green

Due to the redistricting in 2002, Jeffries was unable to challenge Green in the 2004 Democratic primary.

2002: Redistricting Complicates Jeffries's Path to Challenge Green

During post-census redistricting in 2002, Hakeem Jeffries's home was drawn one block outside of Roger Green's Assembly district, complicating his path. Jeffries lost the 2002 primary, 52% to 38%.

2004: Jeffries Unable to Challenge Green in Democratic Primary

Because of the 2002 redistricting, Hakeem Jeffries was unable to challenge Roger Green in the 2004 Democratic primary.

2004: Corporate Litigator for Viacom and CBS

In 2004, Hakeem Jeffries became a corporate litigator for television companies Viacom and CBS, where he worked on the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy.

2004: Green Renominated Unopposed After Resignation

In 2004, after Sheldon Silver and Democratic leadership forced Roger Green to resign after he pleaded guilty to billing the state for false travel expenses, Green was renominated unopposed.

2006: Campaign for U.S. House

In 2006, Hakeem Jeffries ran for the 57th district again and won the Democratic primary, defeating Bill Batson and Freddie Hamilton with 64% of the vote. In the general election in 2006, he defeated Republican nominee Henry Weinstein.

2007: New York State Assembly Member

In 2007, Hakeem Jeffries became a member of the New York State Assembly, serving until 2012.

2007: Elected to New York State Assembly

In 2007, Hakeem Jeffries was elected to the New York State Assembly for a Brooklyn district, serving until 2012.

2007: Endorsement of Barack Obama

In 2007, while in his first term in the State Assembly, Hakeem Jeffries endorsed and supported Barack Obama, becoming one of Obama's earliest supporters in Hillary Clinton's home state.

2008: Jeffries reelected

In 2008, Jeffries was reelected, defeating Republican nominee Charles Brickhouse with 98% of the vote.

2010: Stop-and-Frisk Database Bill Signed

In 2010, Governor David Paterson signed a Stop-and-Frisk database bill sponsored by Hakeem Jeffries and then-Senator Eric Adams that banned police from compiling names and addresses of those stopped but not arrested during street searches.

2010: Jeffries reelected to third term

In 2010, Jeffries was reelected to a third term, easily defeating Republican nominee Frank Voyticky.

January 2012: Jeffries to run for U.S. House

In January 2012, Jeffries announced that he would give up his Assembly seat to run for the U.S. House from New York's 8th congressional district.

June 11, 2012: Local Leaders Support Jeffries

On June 11, 2012, former mayor Ed Koch, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Councilman David Greenfield, Assemblyman Dov Hikind and other elected officials and community leaders held a joint event to support Jeffries's campaign.

2012: End of Term at New York State Assembly

In 2012, Hakeem Jeffries ended his term as a member of the New York State Assembly.

2012: Obama and Clinton Photograph with Jeffries

In 2012, President Barack Obama and President Bill Clinton together took a photograph with Jeffries weeks before his 2012 Congressional primary against Charles Barron, which was effectively used in campaign literature.

January 3, 2013: Sworn into 113th Congress

On January 3, 2013, Jeffries was sworn in to the 113th Congress. He has since been reelected six successive times.

April 11, 2013: Introduced Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument Preservation Act

On April 11, 2013, Hakeem Jeffries introduced the Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument Preservation Act (H.R. 1501; 113th Congress) to study designating the Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument in Fort Greene Park as a unit of the National Park System.

2013: U.S. Representative for New York

In 2013, Hakeem Jeffries became the U.S. representative for New York's 8th congressional district.

2013: Plays in Congressional Baseball Game

In 2013, Jeffries played in the infield on the Democratic team in the Congressional Baseball Game.

April 28, 2014: Passage of Prison Ship Martyrs's Monument Preservation Act

On April 28, 2014, the Prison Ship Martyrs's Monument Preservation Act was passed by the House.

July 15, 2014: Introduced Law School Clinic Certification Program bill

On July 15, 2014, Hakeem Jeffries introduced the bill To establish the Law School Clinic Certification Program of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (H.R. 5108; 113th Congress), which would establish the Law School Clinic Certification Program of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

November 2014: Jeffries Elected as Congressional Black Caucus Whip

In November 2014, Hakeem Jeffries was elected as the Congressional Black Caucus whip.

December 2014: Jeffries Leads CBC in "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" Protest

In December 2014, Hakeem Jeffries led Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members in a "hands up, don't shoot" protest of killings of African-Americans by police.

December 2014: Jeffries Visits Staten Island Site of Eric Garner's Death

In December 2014, Hakeem Jeffries visited the Staten Island site where Eric Garner was killed, recorded by a CNN news crew, and encountered Gwen Carr, Garner's mother.

December 20, 2014: NYPD Detectives Killed

On December 20, 2014, NYPD detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos were killed in their patrol car in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Hakeem Jeffries's district, leading to charitable fundraising for their families.

2014: Jeffries reelected to the House

In 2014, Jeffries was reelected to the House without opposition.

December 31, 2014: Tax Deduction Deadline

Before the Slain Officer Family Support Act's enactment, people would have had to make those contributions by December 31, 2014, to qualify for a tax deduction in connection with taxes filed in 2015.

April 1, 2015: Slain Officer Family Support Act Signed into Law

On April 1, 2015, President Obama signed the Slain Officer Family Support Act into law, extending the tax deadline for donations to the families of deceased NYPD detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos.

April 15, 2015: Contributions Deadline Extended

As a result of Slain Officer Family Support Act in 2015, people making donations to organizations supporting the families of deceased NYPD detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos contributions made until April 15, 2015, were deductible.

April 2015: Jeffries Announces Introduction of Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act

In April 2015, Hakeem Jeffries stood with Gwen Carr to announce the introduction of the Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act of 2015, which would make chokeholds illegal under federal law.

June 2015: Jeffries Leads Effort to Remove Confederate Flag from National Park Service Land

In June 2015, after the shootings in Charleston, Hakeem Jeffries led the effort to have the Confederate flag removed for sale or display on National Park Service land. During debate on the House floor, Jeffries stood next to the Confederate battle flag and lamented that the "Ghosts of the Confederacy have invaded the GOP".

2015: Mayor primary consideration

In 2015, prominent African-American pastors called for Jeffries to step into the 2017 Democratic primary for mayor of New York City against Bill de Blasio, but Jeffries declined.

2016: Jeffries Calls Trump's Presidency "Illegitimate"

In 2016 and after, Hakeem Jeffries repeatedly called Donald Trump's presidency "illegitimate" due to Russian interference in the 2016 United States presidential election.

2016: Jeffries defeats Conservative Party challenger

In 2016, Jeffries faced no primary challenger and defeated a Conservative Party challenger with 93% of the vote.

2017: Declined mayoral run

In 2017, Hakeem Jeffries declined the call to step into the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City against Bill de Blasio, expressing his wish to remain a member of Congress.

May 22, 2018: House Passed First Step Act

On May 22, 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan First Step Act by a 358–36 vote with Hakeem Jeffries as a key sponsor.

November 28, 2018: Elected Chair of the House Democratic Caucus

On November 28, 2018, Hakeem Jeffries defeated Barbara Lee to become chair of the House Democratic Caucus.

December 21, 2018: First Step Act Signed into Law

On December 21, 2018, President Trump signed the First Step Act into law, which eased mandatory minimum federal sentences, expanded early releases, and ended some practices.

2018: House Passage of the Music Modernization Act

In 2018, Hakeem Jeffries played a key role in the House passage of the bipartisan Music Modernization Act, which became law, working with Doug Collins.

2018: Jeffries reelected

In 2018, Jeffries faced no primary challenger and was reelected with 94% of the vote.

January 3, 2019: Began Term as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus

On January 3, 2019, Hakeem Jeffries's term as chair of the House Democratic Caucus began, making him the fifth-ranking member of the Democratic leadership.

2019: Chaired the House Democratic Caucus

In 2019, Hakeem Jeffries chaired the House Democratic Caucus, a role he held until 2023.

2019: Jeffries Votes in Favor of the Equality Act

In 2019, Hakeem Jeffries voted in favor of the Equality Act and urged Congress members to do the same.

January 15, 2020: House Manager for Trump Impeachment Trial

On January 15, 2020, Hakeem Jeffries was selected as one of seven House managers presenting the impeachment case against Trump during his trial before the United States Senate.

January 22, 2020: Interruption During Impeachment Testimony

On January 22, 2020, a protester interrupted Hakeem Jeffries's testimony during the impeachment trial, and Jeffries responded with a scripture verse, Psalm 37:28.

2020: Jeffries Calls Jerusalem the "Sixth Borough" at AIPAC Conference

In 2020, Hakeem Jeffries told an AIPAC conference that "back home in New York City we consider Jerusalem to be the sixth borough".

2020: Jeffries reelected

In 2020, Jeffries faced no primary challenger and was reelected with 84% of the vote.

2021: Jeffries Breaks Filibuster Record

On July 3, 2021, during the 119th Congress, Hakeem Jeffries spoke for eight hours and 44 minutes in opposition to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, breaking Kevin McCarthy's record. He discussed his background, called the bill an "all-out assault" on workers, and shared stories of Americans who would be hurt by the bill.

November 2022: Elected House Democratic Leader

In November 2022, Hakeem Jeffries was elected unopposed as House Democratic leader for the 118th Congress, becoming the first African American to lead a party caucus in either chamber of Congress.

2022: Jeffries Criticizes Overturning of Roe v. Wade

In 2022, Hakeem Jeffries criticized the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, calling it "an assault on freedom, the Constitution and the values shared by a majority of Americans".

2022: Jeffries reelected

In 2022, Jeffries faced no notable primary challenger and was reelected with 71.63% of the vote in the general election.

2022: Jeffries Speaks Out Against Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

In 2022, as a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Hakeem Jeffries spoke out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine and defended the Biden administration's assistance to Ukraine.

January 3, 2023: Nominated for Speaker of the House

On January 3, 2023, at the start of the 118th Congress, the Democratic caucus unanimously nominated Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker of the House, receiving 212 votes on nearly every ballot.

May 29, 2023: Introduction of Fiscal Responsibility Act

On May 29, 2023, Representative Patrick McHenry introduced the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

October 3, 2023: Motion to Vacate Speakership

On October 3, 2023, Representative Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate the speakership criticizing McCarthy for working with Democrats, with Jeffries indicating that House Democratic leaders would vote “yes” on the motion.

October 2023: Nomination After Motion to Vacate Speakership

In October 2023, House Democrats unanimously nominated Jeffries again in the election after the successful motion to vacate McCarthy's speakership.

November 9, 2023: Jeffries Rejects Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza War

On November 9, 2023, Hakeem Jeffries rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.

November 14, 2023: Jeffries Speaks at March for Israel

On November 14, 2023, Hakeem Jeffries spoke at the March for Israel, condemning antisemitism and calling for the safe return of all hostages taken captive by Hamas, and a "just and lasting peace".

December 2023: Passage of National Defense Authorization Act

In December 2023, Hakeem Jeffries led the House Democratic Caucus in providing the majority of the votes to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a 5.2% pay increase.

2023: Jeffries Makes Multiple Trips to Israel Since Election to Congress

As of 2023, Hakeem Jeffries has traveled to Israel multiple times since being elected to Congress, five times as of 2023.

2023: House Minority Leader

In 2023, Hakeem Jeffries became the House minority leader and leader of the House Democratic Caucus.

2023: End of term as chair of the House Democratic Caucus

In 2023, Hakeem Jeffries ended his term as chair of the House Democratic Caucus

2023: Jeffries Raises $113 Million for Democratic Candidates

In 2023, Hakeem Jeffries raised $113 million for Democratic candidates and campaign committees, including $99 million for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).

2023: Jeffries Visits Israel as House Democratic Leader

In 2023, Hakeem Jeffries visited Israel for his first trip abroad as House Democratic leader and said that House Democrats would "lean in on our strong support" for Israel. He also led a delegation of House Democrats on a trip to Israel and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

2023: Jeffries Votes Against Removing U.S. Troops from Syria

In 2023, Hakeem Jeffries voted against H.Con.Res. 21, which directed President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.

January 7, 2024: $1.59 Trillion Spending Deal Agreed To

On January 7, 2024, Hakeem Jeffries and congressional leaders agreed to a $1.59 trillion topline spending deal.

February 2024: Jeffries Plays Key Role in Special Election Following Santos Expulsion

In February 2024, after George Santos was expelled from Congress, Hakeem Jeffries tapped former representative Tom Suozzi for the special election to fill the vacancy. Jeffries deployed his political team and helped raise $1 million for the special election.

April 2024: Jeffries Votes for Military Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan

In April 2024, Hakeem Jeffries voted for military aid package supplementals for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

May 8, 2024: Motion to Vacate Speakership Introduced

On May 8, 2024, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced the motion to vacate Mike Johnson's speakership, but Jeffries and Democratic leaders indicated Democrats would vote to table the motion.

June 2024: Hochul Halts Congestion Pricing Amidst Jeffries's Concerns

In June 2024, New York governor Kathy Hochul indefinitely halted the implementation of congestion pricing in New York City, reportedly in response to concerns raised by Hakeem Jeffries.

July 31, 2024: Announcement of "The ABCs of Democracy" Book

On July 31, 2024, Hakeem Jeffries announced he had penned an illustrated book, "The ABCs of Democracy", to be published on November 12, 2024.

August 2024: Jeffries Reaffirms Ongoing Pause on Congestion Pricing

In August 2024, Hakeem Jeffries reiterated that the ongoing pause on congestion pricing was "a reasonable thing to do at this moment."

October 2024: DCCC Sets Fundraising Records Under Jeffries's Control

As of October 2024, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) under Hakeem Jeffries's control consistently set fundraising records in the 2024 election, raising $280.9 million for the cycle.

November 12, 2024: Publication of The ABCs of Democracy

On November 12, 2024, Hakeem Jeffries' illustrated book, The ABCs of Democracy, is scheduled to be published.

2024: Jeffries Speaks at 2024 Democratic National Convention

In 2024, Hakeem Jeffries had a prime-time speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention, where he gave a speech inspired by Psalm 30:5, endorsed Kamala Harris for president, and likened Donald Trump to "an old boyfriend".

2024: Jeffries reelected

In 2024, Jeffries faced no primary challenger and was reelected with 75% of the vote.

2024: FAA Reauthorization Act Passed

In 2024, the House passed the FAA Reauthorization Act, which included programs to improve safety and protect consumers, with more Democrats than Republicans voting for it.

January 20, 2025: Attendance at Trump's Second Inauguration

On January 20, 2025, Hakeem Jeffries attended Trump's second inauguration.

April 24, 2025: Jeffries Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

On April 24, 2025, Hakeem Jeffries met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel amidst the Gaza war.

August 2025: Jeffries Accepts Endorsement of Liberal Zionist Lobby Group J Street

In August 2025, Hakeem Jeffries accepted the endorsement of liberal Zionist lobby group J Street for the first time.

September 29, 2025: Jeffries Meets with President Trump Amidst Budget Negotiations

On September 29, 2025, as the funding deadline approached, Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer met with President Trump at the White House to negotiate a bipartisan budget agreement and avert a funding lapse. This marked Jeffries’s first meeting with Trump during his second presidency.

November 2025: Jeffries Files Discharge Petition on ACA Tax Credits

In November 2025, after the government reopened, Hakeem Jeffries filed a discharge petition to force a House vote on extending ACA premium tax credits for three years, aiming to bypass Republican leadership.

December 2025: Jeffries's Discharge Petition Reaches Required Signatures

In December 2025, Hakeem Jeffries's discharge petition to force a vote on extending the enhanced ACA tax credits reached the required 218 signatures after several Republicans joined Democrats.

2025: Jeffries Plays Central Role in Government Shutdown Response

During the 2025 United States federal government shutdown, Jeffries played a central role in shaping the Democratic response to the budget impasse. Jeffries and House Democrats focused on health care policy, especially the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA)'s premium tax credits.

January 8, 2026: House Passes ACA Tax Credit Extension

On January 8, 2026, the measure to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits for three years was brought to the House floor and passed by a vote of 230-196, with all Democrats and several Republicans voting in favor. This was seen as a political setback for House Republican leadership and the Trump administration.