Democratic civil war erupts over Hakeem Jeffries. More than 1 million sign petition to block his rise to Speaker, while Mamdani fully backs him

More than 1 million people have signed a petition urging incoming House Democrats to reject Jeffries for Speaker, accusing him of taking corporate money and failing to represent the party’s progressive base. Democratic offices are also being flooded with calls demanding new leadership, with some activists pushing Rep. Jamie Raskin as an alternative. Incoming progressive lawmakers, including Democratic Socialists of America members, are threatening to withhold their votes. The rebellion is spreading beyond the House, with incoming Democratic senators also challenging Chuck Schumer’s leadership. But Zohran Mamdani has publicly backed Jeffries, exposing an awkward divide between the progressive movement and the congressional establishment. Both sides are claiming the midterm results validate their approach, setting up a fight over who controls the party’s agenda and leadership.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Wednesday he had the opportunity to congratulate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries after Democrats won back both chambers of Congress.
With Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer now poised to lead their respective chambers in Washington, Mamdani said… pic.twitter.com/NeYkK41MUs
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) November 4, 2026

⚡️More than 1 million people are calling for House Democrats to choose someone other than Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker https://t.co/DX016tjPGK pic.twitter.com/2eCqvLx2SJ
— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) November 7, 2026