Jeffries shredded over Hegseth impeachment snafu as Dem jockeys for speaker’s gavel

Democrats are projected to win 255 House seats with 12 races yet to be called, setting the stage for Jeffries to become Speaker following victories in traditional Republican strongholds like Texas, Mississippi, Kansas and South Carolina. However, recent blunders on the House floor have raised questions about whether Jeffries and other leaders are ready to command the majority.

The controversy stems from Tuesday evening's procedural vote on impeaching Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, where 11 House Democrats were absent. Had just seven of them been present, the vote to kill Rep. Thomas Massie's impeachment resolution would have failed, triggering debate and likely a vote on impeaching Hegseth the next day.

Leadership concerns emerge

The absence of Democrats allowed Republicans to successfully block the impeachment push, drawing criticism from within the party. "I may have to rethink my support of Hakeem Jeffries after the Hegseth impeachment vote," Fred Trump III, a Democrat, author and nephew of President Donald Trump, posted on X. "Eleven Democrats do not show up? All Republicans vote it down."

Explanations and excuses

Various explanations emerged for the absences. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., claimed she and other Democrats were stuck in traffic, though reports suggested they were at a fundraiser less than two miles from the U.S. Capitol. Others cited medical procedures and family emergencies as reasons for missing the vote.

The day after the vote, a bill Democratic leadership had urged lawmakers to vote against passed by unanimous voice vote simply because no Democrats called for a roll call. Democrats accused Republicans of parliamentary tricks, with the House Veterans Affairs Committee minority posting on X: "Republicans pushed it through that way intentionally so their members wouldn't have to go on the record supporting cuts to veterans' benefits."

Defending Jeffries

Despite the setback, most Democrats don't see it as an early blight on Jeffries' potential speakership. "I think there's frustration in terms of whipping votes. I'm not entirely sure where the breakdown is. And it does seem like there's maybe some tension somewhere," Democratic strategist Mike Nellis told Fox News Digital. "I think it'll be incumbent on the incoming speaker to make sure that everybody feels like they're on the same page."

Democrat Dan Turrentine, co-host of "The Huddle," told Fox News Digital "a few Democrats unintentionally missed one vote. Unfortunately this happens periodically in both chambers, for both parties. It does not speak to Jeffries' leadership. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark added: My message is always to members that we need to be here and be on time. But there was a clear message from the Republican Party as well that they are unwilling, even after this election, to stand up against Hegseth in this war."

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., deflected criticism from leadership: "It's unfortunate, but that's not on leadership." With no serious challengers to Jeffries' speakership bid emerging, the incident appears unlikely to derail his path to becoming Speaker when the new Congress convenes in January.