Nancy Pelosi Declares Dems Will Retake House, Calls Hakeem Jeffries a ‘Unifier’ While His Record Raises Doubts
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi says it’s not if Democrats retake the House, it’s when. During an interview Sunday on ABC’s This Week, Pelosi boldly declared that Democrats will regain control in 2026 and she made it clear she expects Hakeem Jeffries to be the next Speaker.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi says she thinks the Democrats will re-take the House of Representatives in 2026: “Hakeem Jeffries is ready, he’s eloquent, he’s respected by the members, he is a unifier.” https://t.co/ZnRxKy0sL5 pic.twitter.com/O6RtIf76eh
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) December 28, 2025
“When the Democrats win the House back — because we will,” Pelosi told Jonathan Karl, cutting him off mid-question. She called Jeffries “eloquent,” “respected,” and a “unifier,” insisting she has “no doubt” he’s ready to lead.
But Pelosi’s glowing endorsement ignores growing questions about Jeffries’ leadership. His recent behavior during the government shutdown talks exposed what critics say is a pattern of partisanship over problem-solving. Jeffries accused Speaker Mike Johnson of refusing to negotiate. That claim was quickly debunked when reports showed Johnson did reach out and that Jeffries simply refused to budge.
CNN and CNBC hosts pushed back on Jeffries’ repeated talking points, challenging his claims that Republicans were the sole reason for the stalemate. He also faced criticism for portraying Democrats as offering “reasonable solutions” while rejecting any form of GOP input.
At a press conference earlier this month, Jeffries trashed Dr. Mehmet Oz as “woefully unqualified” to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. That prompted an immediate fact-check from Fox News anchor John Roberts, who pointed to Oz’s Ivy League education and years as a top cardio-thoracic surgeon.
Despite Pelosi’s confidence, Jeffries hasn’t inspired the same unity among House Democrats. His repeated stumbles in front of the press have raised concerns among moderates and independents who are looking for results, not rhetoric.
Pelosi also didn’t rule out using House control for political warfare. When asked about the possibility of future investigations or impeachment, she claimed it would be difficult to pass legislation with Trump in office, blaming him directly for congressional gridlock.
With Democrat messaging under strain and Jeffries still struggling to command broad appeal, Pelosi’s prediction may be more wishful thinking than political reality.