Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Says He’ll Protect Pro-Ceasefire Progressives Targeted By AIPAC & Others

Progressive members of “The Squad” are facing unprecedented financial headwinds in the next election. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is poised to spend roughly $100 million unseating members of Congress who’ve spoken up in favor of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip — putting Representatives Cori Bush, Summer Lee, Jamaal Bowman, and Rashida Tlaib in serious political jeopardy.

But the question on everyone’s mind is whether the Democratic House leadership is willing to step in to protect their vulnerable members, even if it means upsetting wealthy donors.

The Root sat down with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for The 411, who said that he was committing to protecting these members against massive outside spending and primary challenges.

“I will continue to support every single member within the House Democratic Caucus family, from the most progressive, to the most centrist, to the most moderate,” Representative Jeffries told The Root. “That’s been my position and perspective even prior to serving in this role in the previous four years as chair of the House Democratic Caucus.”

Rep. Jeffries went on to say that he believes the entire caucus should take his lead on this issue. “What has always been clear, and I think what should continue to be clear, is that Democrats stick with Democrats within the House Democratic Caucus family,” he said.

Despite Rep. Jeffries’s calls for unity, cracks have clearly begun to form in the Democratic Caucus along racial and ideological lines when it comes to Israel and Gaza. Rep. Jeffries, who is the first Black American to lead a party in Congress, acknowledged the divisions in his caucus but said he isn’t concerned.

“Our diversity is a strength, and our unity is our power. And unity, of course, is different than unanimity,” said Rep. Jeffries. “We can have those discussions, express our differences of perspective, where appropriate, but always strive to find the highest common denominator and advance the ball for the American people. In the past, that’s what we’ve been able to do as House Democrats incredibly well.”

The 411 episode with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will drop on Friday morning!