In a sign of rising division within the Democratic Party, dozens of Democratic candidates running for U.S. House seats across the country say they are unwilling — or not yet ready — to commit to supporting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) for party leader.

According to a recent report from Axios, 113 Democratic candidates considered competitive in the 2026 election cycle were asked whether they would back Jeffries. The results reveal growing uncertainty about the party’s direction and the challenges its leadership may face ahead of next year’s high-stakes races.

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A Crack in the Unity
Since succeeding former Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2022, Jeffries has been widely seen as a unifying figure, maintaining near-unanimous support within the House Democratic caucus. But the new survey suggests that harmony could be tested as the next Congress approaches — particularly as progressive voices push for a more confrontational stance against Republicans and a stronger commitment to left-leaning priorities.

Of the candidates surveyed by Axios:

20 said outright they would not vote for Jeffries as party leader or speaker.
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5 more indicated they were likely to oppose him.