Rep. Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats are
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said he is increasingly optimistic that his party can regain control of the House in November. He has visited two competitive districts to support challengers to Republican incumbents.
The races are in suburban, politically divided areas of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Republicans Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Kean Jr. hold the seats; both districts have been difficult for Democrats in recent elections.
Democrats have put resources into both contests and see an opening amid political conditions they believe may hurt President Donald Trump’s party. Jeffries also named districts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York as opportunities, and said he intends to visit two South Texas districts.
Fitzpatrick is seeking a sixth term and has built a moderate profile, including votes against some Trump administration positions. He nevertheless won reelection in 2024 by more than 12 points, even as Kamala Harris narrowly carried his district.
Jeffries said the eventual number of Democratic gains will depend on conditions in the coming weeks. Local views are divided: one Democratic official criticized Fitzpatrick’s record, while a Republican voter backed him but expected a close contest.
Key points
- Jeffries predicts Democrats can retake the House, while acknowledging the final seat gains remain uncertain.
- Democrats are targeting Fitzpatrick’s Pennsylvania district and Kean’s New Jersey district.
- Fitzpatrick has won crossover support before, despite his district’s close presidential result in 2024.