Hakeem Jeffries puts affordability at center of Democrats’ midterm message

The House Democratic leader says his party will focus on lowering costs and combating inflation as it seeks control of

Sep 28, 2026 0

Hakeem Jeffries puts affordability at center of Democrats’ midterm message

Hakeem Jeffries, theGrio.com — WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol building on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Senate passed a bill in the early morning hours on Friday to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, except for Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Border Patrol, which now has to get through the House and the Presidents desk as delays at airports around the country continue to grow due to TSA agents having to go without pay for over 40 days. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

The House Democratic leader says his party will focus on lowering costs and combating inflation as it seeks control of the House.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries used a Sept. 26 CNN interview to emphasize the cost of living ahead of the November midterm elections.

The New York congressman also criticized the Trump administration’s economic policies. According to the website of the Office of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, he discussed Democratic efforts to limit U.S. involvement in the Iran war and addressed the party’s efforts to regain control of the House.

Speaking with CNN’s Manu Raju, Jeffries said Democrats are focused on what he called an “affordable America,” arguing that high costs are affecting millions of Americans. Jeffries criticized Republican economic policies and said Democrats would focus on lowering costs, addressing inflation and expanding access to healthcare.

He also pointed to a recent CNN poll showing Democrats with an eight-point advantage over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot. The poll, conducted Sept. 16th to 17th, found 49% of registered voters saying they would vote for a Democrat in their congressional district, compared with 41% for a Republican.

Jeffries accused Republicans of prioritizing wealthy donors over broader economic concerns. He then criticized the Trump administration’s tariffs and legislation affecting Medicaid and other assistance programs. He challenged the use of taxpayer-funded White House advertisements, saying they were designed to promote President Donald Trump.

The ongoing U.S. war with Iran was another major topic during the interview. Jeffries said House Democrats have supported three War Powers Resolutions aimed at ending U.S. involvement in the conflict.

The war reportedly continues to shape the political debate over foreign policy, military spending and rising energy costs. Recent Reuters/Ipsos polling found that 34% of respondents approved of Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict, while 55% disapproved.