1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I voted Tuesday because I wanted change, and the country delivered a Democratic House and Senate. I am asking you not to hand this new majority back to the same leadership. Please do not vote for Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker, in the caucus or on the floor. For two years, Leader Jeffries has managed the opposition when the moment demanded someone to lead it. As this administration pushed the country toward authoritarianism and into a war with Iran, House Democratic leadership answered with careful statements instead of a real fight. Even President Trump has said he could work with him and called him a nice guy. That should worry every Democrat who just won by promising to hold this administration accountable. You will hear that there is no alternative. That is a reason to find one, not a reason to settle. Dozens of this year’s Democratic candidates refused to commit to Jeffries. That is not a fringe position. It is where the energy of this election came from. The vote for Speaker is a public roll call on the House floor, and your constituents will see how you vote. I’m asking you to tell me before January where you stand.