FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2022
(202)-538-2836
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On this historic day, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) was honored to serve as the lead nominator for Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York to be the next leader of the Democratic Party and Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Jeffries will assume the leadership role currently filled by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and be the first Black Member of Congress to lead a political party.
Congresswoman Barragán’s nomination speech is below.
“Hakeem Jeffries, the son of two dedicated social workers, was literally born into a life of public service and a strong union family. He was raised to believe in the values of family, faith, community, and hard work.
“Hakeem Jeffries is a defender of democracy, a masterful messenger, a sophisticated legislator, a tough impeachment prosecutor, and compassionate champion for the people.
“Hakeem Jeffries, like Dr. King, believes we need to act with the fierce urgency of now to make America work for all Americans, especially the marginalized, the poor, the middle- and working-class – or as he says, the least, the lost and the left-behind – the fierce urgency of now to push policies that address racial, social and economic injustice. Progressive policies that will move us forward.
“Hakeem Jeffries understands “the fierce urgency of now” means that when you are offered the opportunity to advance a policy for the greater good, you do not pass on that opportunity. We saw that in his leadership to give the formerly incarcerated a second chance in the First Step Act that led to historic sentencing reforms and more.
“Hakeem Jeffries, as our Caucus Chair, kept us together through the darkest times of the pandemic, the deadly insurrection on January 6, and a once-in-a-generation economic crisis. Now, he will lead us into the next Congress and back into the majority stronger than ever with that same fierce urgency of now. Because Hakeem Jeffries knows that failure is not an option.
“Hakeem Jeffries is a consensus builder, a listener, a collaborator, a fighter – put simply, Hakeem Jeffries is a leader.
“And as they say in Brooklyn – if you don’t know, now you know.
“This is a historic day filled with promise and new beginnings. I proudly place his name into nomination.
“May God Bless Hakeem and May God Bless the United States of America.”
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Security, and on the House Energy and Commerce Health, Energy, and Environment & Climate Change Subcommittees.