1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Dear Representative Morelle, I am your constituent in Rochester, and I am asking you not to support Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker in the 120th Congress. The Speaker sets the agenda for the entire House, and that choice should reflect the voters who just delivered this majority, not only the caucus leadership. Right now no one is running against Leader Jeffries, which means the most powerful position in the House is being decided by default. Democratic voters deserve a contested election. Before the caucus votes on November 18, I am asking you to keep your vote uncommitted until other candidates have had a real chance to come forward, to encourage colleagues who better reflect Democratic voters to seek the nomination, and to examine Leader Jeffries's record, policy positions, and donors with your constituents in mind. I know you have worked closely with Leader Jeffries. I am asking you to weigh what your constituents want alongside that relationship. Please let me know where you stand.