House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is facing an embarrassing start to his anticipated speakership after his party stumbled through two consecutive floor votes, handing Republicans unexpected victories just days after Democrats celebrated their sweeping midterm election wins.
The blunders have sparked frustration among Democrats, with some questioning whether party leadership is prepared to manage a House majority after years in the minority.
Jeffries, D-N.Y., is seeking the speaker’s gavel when the new Congress convenes in January. Democrats are projected to win at least 255 seats, with several races still undecided.
But their recent performance on Capitol Hill has already raised concerns about discipline within the caucus.
The first embarrassment came Tuesday when 11 House Democrats failed to appear for a crucial procedural vote involving an impeachment effort against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth, prompting GOP leadership to move the resolution to committee rather than allow an immediate impeachment vote.
The Republican maneuver succeeded 211-204, with the Democratic absences drawing immediate backlash.
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Had enough missing Democrats been present, they could have defeated the motion based on the votes actually cast. However, several Republicans were also absent, meaning the final outcome could have depended on whether those lawmakers returned.
The failure infuriated some Democrats who had spent months demanding Pete Hegseth‘s removal.
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“I may have to rethink my support of Hakeem Jeffries after the Hegseth impeachment vote,” Fred Trump III, President Donald Trump‘s nephew, wrote on X.
“Eleven Democrats do not show up? All Republicans vote it down.”
He continued, “Pete Hegseth is laughing at you and is stronger today. Shame.”
“A slap in the face of the military and veterans on this important day.”
Progressive activists also directed their frustration toward Democratic leadership.
“Everyone knew that attendance was key tonight but somehow Democratic leaders failed to deliver and handed Republicans a win,” Demand Progress Executive Director Sean Vitka said.
Several missing lawmakers blamed Washington traffic for their absence, including New Mexico Rep. Melanie Stansbury, who issued an emotional apology after failing to reach the chamber.
Reports indicated that some Democrats had been returning from a political fundraising event less than two miles from the Capitol when they became delayed.
Others cited medical procedures or family emergencies.
The controversy was particularly awkward for Jeffries, who has repeatedly demanded accountability from Hegseth over the administration’s military operations.
But the headaches didn’t end there.
On Wednesday, Democrats suffered another procedural setback when Republicans successfully advanced a veterans-related bill through a voice vote, despite Democratic leaders urging their members to oppose the legislation.
No Democrat demanded a recorded roll-call vote before the measure passed.
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The result allowed Republicans to advance the bill without individual lawmakers having their positions recorded.
Democrats accused GOP lawmakers of exploiting parliamentary procedure to avoid publicly defending legislation they opposed.
“Republicans pushed it through that way intentionally so their members wouldn’t have to go on the record supporting cuts to veterans’ benefits,” the Democratic minority staff of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee wrote on X.
Still, the back-to-back episodes have intensified scrutiny of Jeffries and his leadership team.
Democratic strategist Mike Nellis acknowledged frustration within the party while cautioning against treating the mistakes as a serious threat to Jeffries’ leadership ambitions.
“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,” Nellis told Fox News Digital.
He also emphasized that Jeffries currently faces no significant challenger for the speaker’s position.
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Other Democrats defended the New York congressman, arguing that missed votes occur under both parties and should not automatically be blamed on leadership.
Democratic strategist Dan Turrentine called the absences an unfortunate but routine occurrence in Congress.
Meanwhile, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark acknowledged that lawmakers must do a better job of showing up when their votes are needed.
“My message is always to members that we need to be here and be on time,” Clark told reporters Wednesday.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., also rejected the suggestion that Jeffries was responsible.
“It’s unfortunate, but that’s not on leadership.”
Jeffries remains positioned to become speaker in January, but the chaotic week has provided an early test of his ability to keep Democrats organized.
After winning a sweeping electoral victory, Democrats now face the challenge of translating that success into effective leadership on Capitol Hill.
And with two embarrassing procedural setbacks in as many days, Jeffries is already facing questions about whether his caucus is ready to take control.
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