WASHINGTON (AP) – House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries stated on Sunday that his party is gearing up to regain control of the House, expressing confidence that they can overcome a fundraising gap and target conservative regions to flip congressional seats previously won by President Donald Trump just two years ago.
During a conference call with reporters, Jeffries, who is poised to become House speaker if Democrats retake the majority, likened this midterm election to 2018 when Democrats surged to power during Trump’s first term in office.
“House Democrats are poised to take back the majority,” he said.
Jeffries, hailing from New York, noted that when Democrats gained control of the House in 2018, many of the districts they flipped were ones where Trump had triumphed in 2016.
“In 2026, we’re poised to do the same thing,” he said.
His remarks reflect growing optimism among Democrats with just a month left until the midterm elections on Nov. 3. The party is striving to broaden their reach by going after Republican-held districts while Trump campaigns vigorously in red states to boost voter enthusiasm and rally support from his base.
Republicans hold a significant financial edge as House Speaker Mike Johnson aligns more closely with Trump in an effort to maintain their majority. Trump is promising voters $5,000 cash payouts if Republicans win, though it remains uncertain whether Congress would allocate the estimated $1 trillion-plus needed for such payments. Over the weekend, Trump also announced $90 checks for seniors aimed at helping cover Medicare premiums.
Jeffries remarked that Republicans are “failing and flailing.”
“The American people are not buying what MAGA Republicans are trying to sell,” he said.
The House is narrowly divided; just a handful of seats could determine which party wields control. Early voting has commenced. Republicans face pressure due to rising gas prices linked to the conflict with Iran.
Jeffries pointed out that a redistricting push led by Trump intended to create more favorable Republican districts in Texas, Florida and elsewhere has backfired in some areas. Meanwhile, the campaign arm for House Democrats revealed last week that it was adding eight districts-including those in Kansas, Oklahoma, Virginia and Washington state-to its list of competitive races.
“The Republican gerrymander scheme has failed,” Jeffries said.
However, Jeffries cautioned that “anything and everything” can happen and urged fellow Democrats to stay focused. “We can’t afford to take anything for granted,” he said.
Johnson, the Republican speaker, has been traveling across the nation insisting that Republicans will protect their majority. Last week he campaigned for Republicans in California and plans visits across over 40 districts spanning about 20 states as November approaches.
Jeffries also visited Western states over the weekend and mentioned he will be traveling extensively in upcoming weeks.
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