Actress Hannah Einbinder, known for her role on HBO’s “Hacks,” has publicly urged people to pressure their members of Congress to oppose Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) becoming Speaker of the House.
In an Instagram post, Einbinder wrote that Jeffries “thinks he’s untouchable” and told followers to “call your fucking reps every day get these scumbags out of power.”
Einbinder’s post adds a prominent voice to a broader effort on the left to keep Jeffries, a Brooklyn, New York native, from the Speakership. Actor Mark Ruffalo has been circulating a petition calling for House Democrats to reject Jeffries when the chamber votes on leadership in January 2027, following Democrats’ midterm gains on November 3.
The petition argues Jeffries represents “the Democratic establishment” rather than Democratic voters. It reads in part:
Hakeem Jeffries currently serves as House Democratic Leader and has previously been nominated by House Democrats for Speaker. If his name is put forward again, House members will have a choice to make. Hakeem Jeffries is simply not the right choice. We believe the Speaker should represent the Democratic voters, not just the Democratic establishment.
The petition notes that “members of the newly elected U.S. House of Representatives will choose who serves as Speaker of the House, one of the most powerful leadership positions in Congress.”
Jeffries has been a consistent backer of Israel throughout its war with Hamas, supporting U.S. military aid to Israel and describing his commitment to the country’s security as “ironclad and unbreakable.” That stance has drawn sustained criticism from parts of the Democratic base.
The pressure campaign against Jeffries comes alongside a similar effort targeting Senate Democratic leadership. “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart has urged Democrats to replace Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) as he prepares to become Senate majority leader, calling for new leadership once Democrats take control of Congress in January.
