Key facts
- About 10 hecklers interrupted Jeffries at the Denver gathering, accusing him of being too timid on the high cost of living.
- Protesters demanded an end to Trump's war on Iran, government-funded health care for all and an arms embargo on Israel.
- Senator Chris Van Hollen announced he will challenge Senator Chuck Schumer for the party's top Senate leadership job.
- Democrats are projected to hold at least 255 House seats to Republicans' 169, with 12 contests undecided.
- In the Senate, the breakdown will be at least 55-44, with Democrats possibly gaining one more seat in Alaska.
Hakeem Jeffries, set to become US House Speaker when Democrats take control of Congress in January, was heckled by protesters on November 13, 2026, at a gathering of Democrats in Denver. About 10 hecklers shouted at Jeffries, a moderate, accusing him of being too timid to address the high cost of living that fueled voter frustration in the midterm elections. They demanded new, more progressive party leaders.
The interruption came as long-simmering splits inside the party between moderates and a restive progressive wing were being laid bare. Some speakers urged cooperation with Trump next year, while others called for confrontation and accountability and a bold populist economic agenda. Both factions claimed vindication in the Democratic midterm sweep, each arguing that voters had endorsed their vision for the party's future.
The protesters demanded an end to Trump's war on Iran, government-funded health care for all and an arms embargo on Israel. One shouted, "We need new leadership," and added, "I am scared for my future." Jeffries ignored the hecklers, and the moderator commented on how calm he remained, especially after one protester started swearing at him. Jeffries replied, "Remember, y'all, I grew up in Brooklyn."
Jeffries was followed on stage by Massachusetts Senator Chris Van Hollen, a progressive, who announced on November 13 that he will challenge more centrist Senator Chuck Schumer of New York for the party's top leadership job in the Senate. When he told the crowd in Denver he was challenging Schumer, he received a standing ovation. The event was hosted by Majority Democrats, which advocates for younger leaders but also against left-wing policies.
Democrats are projected to hold at least 255 seats to Republicans' 169 in the House, with 12 contests still undecided. In the Senate, the breakdown will be at least 55-44, with Democrats possibly gaining one more seat in Alaska when vote-counting is completed.