Democratic Rep. Nanette Diaz-Barragan, who represents much of North Long Beach in Congress, was the leading nominee for New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries to become the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.
Jeffries took over as Democratic Party leader from Rep. retired after regaining control of the House of Representatives.
Jeffries, 52, was unanimously elected to the post Wednesday morning at a closed-door meeting. He is the first black man to head one of his two major political parties in the United States in Congress.
“Hakeem Jeffries is an advocate for democracy, a great messenger, a sophisticated legislator, a tough impeachment prosecutor, and a compassionate advocate for the people,” Barragan said in his speech. said in “This is a historic day full of promise and new beginnings. I proudly nominate his name.”
Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-San Pedro. Courtesy photo.
The Democratic Party’s next leaders are considerably younger than Pelosi and her lieutenants, who are all over 80.
Jefferies’ leadership team includes Massachusetts Rep. Catherine Clarke, 59, as Democratic whip and California Rep. Pete Aguilar, 43, as caucus speaker.
Meanwhile, outgoing Long Beach Mayor and Congressman-elect Robert Garcia was elected House Freshman Class Speaker in the 118th session of the United States Congress. He is the first person to openly identify as LGBTQ+.
“It’s an incredible honor to be elected freshman class president,” Garcia said. “We have important work ahead of us and I look forward to our class bringing strength to the Democratic Caucus and our country.”
Garcia is the first person to come out as gay. He is also the first person to openly serve in Congress as an LGBTQ immigrant of his.
City News Service contributed to this report.