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Axios Survey Finds Many Democratic House Hopefuls Withholding Support for Hakeem Jeffries

Progressive misgivings over strategy and a Zohran Mamdani endorsement rift drive the hesitation.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks to reporters at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 14. Photo: Anna Rose Layden/Bloomberg via Getty Images
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference as the government shutdown enters its third week, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite).

Overview

  • Axios surveyed 113 Democratic House candidates in potentially winnable 2026 races, finding 20 would not vote for Jeffries, five were likely to oppose him, 57 declined to commit, 24 would definitely back him, and seven were likely to support him.
  • The reluctance signals erosion of the unanimous caucus support Jeffries has enjoyed since becoming Democratic leader in 2022.
  • Notable contenders who stopped short of pledging support include Daniel Biss, Kat Abughazaleh, Luke Bronin, Donavan McKinney, Mai Vang, Saikat Chakrabarti and Patrick Roath.
  • Holdouts frequently cited a desire for tougher pushback against President Donald Trump and Republicans, as well as frustration with Jeffries' refusal to endorse New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
  • Progressive lawmakers say Jeffries may still win skeptics over but warn a coordinated bloc of 10–12 new members could matter, while his spokesperson says he is focused on battling Trump, ending the GOP shutdown and addressing the GOP health care crisis.