Read: Hakeem Jeffries' letter officially launching his bid for House speaker

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries formally launched his bid for Speaker of the House on Wednesday via a letter to colleagues. Following Republican midterm losses and a landslide win for House Democrats, Jeffries requested support to lead the House of Representatives to deliver dramatic change. If elected, Jeffries will become the first African American to serve as Speaker. The official candidacy follows the GOP's midterm massacre, positioning Jeffries as the expected leader for the House.