Childhood and Education Journey of Hakeem Jeffries in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Hakeem Jeffries. A timeline of key moments.

Hakeem Jeffries is an American politician and attorney currently serving as House Minority Leader and leader of the House Democratic Caucus since 2023. He represents New York's 8th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he has held since 2013. Prior to his congressional service, Jeffries served three terms in the New York State Assembly from 2007 to 2012.

Sections (4)

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

1997: Green's run for New York City Public Advocate

In 2000, when Jeffries challenged incumbent assemblyman Roger Green, he criticized Green for inattentiveness to his constituents' needs and preoccupation with pursuing higher office after the incumbent had run for New York City Public Advocate in 1997.

2004: Green's renomination

In 2004, Roger Green was renominated unopposed after resigning due to pleading guilty to billing the state for false travel expenses.

June 11, 2012: Support from local leaders

On June 11, 2012, Hakeem Jeffries received support from former mayor Ed Koch, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Councilman David Greenfield, Assemblyman Dov Hikind and other elected officials and community leaders at a joint event for his campaign.

2012: Support from Obama and Clinton

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

January 3, 2013: Swearing-in to the 113th Congress

On January 3, 2013, Hakeem Jeffries was sworn in to the 113th Congress.

2013: Participation in the Congressional Baseball Game

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

December 2014: "Hands up, don't shoot" protest led by CBC members

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

December 2014: Visit to Eric Garner's death site

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

2020: Remarks at AIPAC conference

In 2020, Hakeem Jeffries told an American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference that "back home in New York City we consider Jerusalem to be the sixth borough".

November 14, 2023: Speech at the 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".

2023: Multiple trips to Israel

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

February 2024: Political test after George Santos expulsion

In February 2024, following George Santos's expulsion from Congress, Hakeem Jeffries helped raise $1 million for Tom Suozzi in the special election to fill the vacancy.

June 2024: Hochul's Halt of Congestion Pricing Implementation

In June 2024, after New York governor Kathy Hochul indefinitely halted the implementation of congestion pricing in New York City, Politico reported that Hochul had acted in response to concerns raised by Jeffries.

August 2024: Jeffries reiterates pause on congestion pricing

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

2024: Speech at the Democratic National Convention

In 2024, Hakeem Jeffries gave a speech inspired by Psalm 30:5 at the Democratic National Convention, endorsing Kamala Harris for president and comparing Donald Trump to "an old boyfriend".