Hakeem Jeffries's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Hakeem Jeffries. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
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 was a member of the New York State Assembly from 2007 to 2012. He is a prominent figure in the Democratic Party.
1997: Graduated from Law School
In 1997, Hakeem Jeffries graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor degree from New York University School of Law, where he was a member of the New York University Law Review, and delivered the student address at Convocation.
2006: Won Democratic primary and general election
In 2006, Jeffries won the Democratic primary for the 57th district and defeated Republican nominee Henry Weinstein in the general election.
2008: Reelected to the Assembly
In 2008, Jeffries was reelected to the Assembly, defeating Republican nominee Charles Brickhouse.
2010: Reelected to a third term
In 2010, Jeffries was reelected to a third term in the Assembly, defeating Republican nominee Frank Voyticky.
April 28, 2014: Prison Ship Martyrs's Monument Preservation Act Passed by House
On April 28, 2014, the Prison Ship Martyrs's Monument Preservation Act was passed by the House.
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 people making donations to organizations supporting the families of deceased NYPD detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos.
June 2015: Led effort to remove the Confederate flag
In June 2015, after the shootings in Charleston, Jeffries led the effort to have the Confederate flag removed from sale or display on National Park Service land.
May 22, 2018: House Passed the First Step Act
On May 22, 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan First Step Act with Jeffries as a key sponsor.
November 28, 2018: Elected Chair of House Democratic Caucus
On November 28, 2018, 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: Music Modernization Act
In 2018, Jeffries played a key role in the House passage of the bipartisan Music Modernization Act, which became law.
November 2022: Elected as House Leader
In November 2022, Hakeem Jeffries was unanimously elected to succeed Nancy Pelosi as House leader, becoming the first African American to lead a party in either chamber of the United States Congress.
November 2022: Elected House Democratic Leader
In November 2022, with Pelosi's endorsement, Jeffries was elected unopposed as House Democratic leader, becoming the first African American to lead a party caucus in either chamber of Congress.
October 2024: Fundraising Records for 2024 Election Cycle
As of October 2024, the DCCC under Jeffries's control raised $280.9 million for the 2024 election cycle, consistently setting fundraising records.
2024: Most Powerful Person in Congress
In 2024, after votes to avert a shutdown and send assistance abroad, the Associated Press called Jeffries "the most powerful person in Congress right now".
