More than 700,000 people have reportedly signed a petition urging Democrats to reject Hakeem Jeffries for House Speaker, creating a new political headache following the party’s sweeping midterm victories.
The campaign, launched by TikTok creator and author Nicole Whitted, is gaining support from voters frustrated with the Democratic Party’s current leadership.
“We believe the Speaker should represent the Democratic voters, not just the Democratic establishment,” the petition reads.
Whitted distrusts Jeffries’ political relationships, including an August meeting with Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. Critics have also called out Jeffries’ close ties to Israel and, in particular, the pro-Israel lobbying group, AIPAC. Reports say he has received as much as $1.5 million in funding from the group.
The Breakfast Club radio host Charlamagne Tha God has even called him “AIPAC Shakur.”
Breakfast Club host Charlamagne says of Hakeem Jeffries: "I call him AIPAC Shakur." "I just don’t think he stands for anything." https://t.co/BGuqattvk7
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) August 27, 2025
“My opposition to Hakeem Jeffries is about more than any single policy disagreement,” Whitted told Newsweek.
Actor Mark Ruffalo encouraged his followers to join the effort, writing, “Sign this petition if you want a new speaker of the house.”
Some newly elected progressive Democrats have also expressed reservations about Jeffries.
Michigan Democrat William Lawrence previously told Axios, “I hope to have an alternative to Jeffries to vote for.”
House Democrats are on track to win at least 255 seats. Thank you for your attention to this matter. https://t.co/hBWKSzYffm
— Hakeem Jeffries (@hakeemjeffries) November 5, 2026
But in a Wednesday letter announcing his candidacy, the New York Democrat declared, “We must now deliver the dramatic change the American people are demanding in the majority.”
Jeffries could make history as the nation’s first Black House Speaker if he secures enough votes when the new Congress convenes in January.