Story perspectives

Jeffries Meets Kushner on Housing, Immigration Ahead of House Vote

8/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met privately with Jared Kushner in New York to discuss housing, immigration and cost of living.
Kushner urged Jeffries to meet White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
Jeffries is the leading candidate to become Speaker if Democrats win three additional seats.
Polls show Democrats favored to retake the House, while Republicans currently hold a 218-213 majority.

History

Historical Context

In the 1994 midterm elections, Newt Gingrich led the Republican Revolution, seizing the House with a 230-205 majority and ending 40 years of Democratic dominance. The GOP captured 54 seats, giving the Republican Party 230 seats while the Democratic Party fell to 205, reshaping legislative agendas. Jeffries’ private discussion with Jared Kushner mirrors Gingrich’s behind-the-scenes deals that helped the GOP secure control in 1994. If such bipartisan overtures succeed, Jeffries could become Speaker, steering the House toward new policy priorities and altering future governance.

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Story summary

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met privately with Jared Kushner in New York to discuss housing, immigration and cost of living.
Kushner urged Jeffries to meet White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
Jeffries is the leading candidate to become Speaker if Democrats win three additional seats.
Polls show Democrats favored to retake the House, while Republicans currently hold a 218-213 majority.

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