Hakeem Jeffries

Hakeem Jeffries made history in 2023 as the first African American to lead a party in Congress. He was named to Time's 100 Next list in 2021, recognizing him as a rising political leader. His unanimous election as House minority leader in 2022 reflected broad support across the Democratic caucus. Jeffries has been a key negotiator in budget and debt ceiling talks, earning respect from both sides of the aisle.