House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries outlined his party’s legislative agenda at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Atlanta on August 13, 2026, detailing Democratic priorities if the party wins back the House majority in the midterm elections.
Jeffries discussed several key topics during the plenary session, moderated by NABJ President Errin Haines, including the Democratic Party’s top priorities following a potential congressional victory, voter protection measures, and Supreme Court reform. According to C-SPAN’s coverage, Jeffries called for “dramatic” Supreme Court reform, addressing what Democrats view as a conservative right-wing majority on the bench.
The speech comes as Democrats prepare for the November midterm elections with fewer than 100 days remaining. In late July, Jeffries had unveiled the party’s “Fighting for an Affordable America” agenda, which centers on lowering the cost of living across multiple areas. According to the Associated Press and Al Jazeera, the agenda focuses on reducing the cost of groceries, gas, and housing, while making healthcare more affordable and protecting Medicare and Social Security.
Healthcare affordability is a central plank of the Democratic platform. Jeffries pledged to reverse recent Medicaid cuts and extend Affordable Care Act tax credits if Democrats regain control of the House, according to reporting from the Denver Gazette and other outlets covering the affordability agenda.
The NABJ convention, held August 12-16 in Atlanta under the theme “Our Revolution: Truth, Power and Black Journalism,” has drawn national Democratic figures and other political leaders. Jeffries’ appearance underscores the Democratic Party’s focus on engaging Black voters and Black-owned media in the final stretch before the midterms, as the party seeks to mobilize support for its candidates and agenda.
Democrats have made affordability a centerpiece of their midterm strategy, blaming the Trump administration for rising costs. The party’s legislative priorities also include protecting voting rights and addressing what Democrats characterize as threats to democracy, themes Jeffries has emphasized repeatedly as the midterm campaign intensifies.
Sources
- C-SPAN — video coverage of Jeffries’ August 13 speech at the NABJ convention, including description of topics discussed and clips of his remarks on Supreme Court reform
- Associated Press — reporting on Jeffries’ “Fighting for an Affordable America” agenda unveiled July 26, 2026, detailing Democratic priorities on cost of living, healthcare, and midterm strategy
- Al Jazeera — coverage of Jeffries’ affordability agenda, including pledges on groceries, gas, housing, healthcare, and protection of Social Security and Medicare
- Denver Gazette — reporting on Jeffries’ pledges to reverse Medicaid cuts and extend ACA subsidies if Democrats take the House
- NABJ — information on the 2026 convention in Atlanta, including moderator Errin Haines and convention theme
