Jeffries promises cost-of-living relief in San Antonio campaign stop

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries addressed a crowd of roughly 150 people at Cavalry Baptist Church in San Antonio on Sunday. The New York Democrat told the congregation that lowering the cost of living is the top priority if his party wins control of the U.S. House in November.

Jeffries listed specific goals for the first two years of a potential Democratic majority. He cited ending the war in Iran, reversing Medicaid cuts, and passing the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. He described the war as a reckless and costly conflict of choice.

The visit coincides with recent polling that favors Democrats in the midterms. The Cook Political Report stated that Republicans have little chance of keeping the House. The report noted that Democrats are favored to flip between 12 and 22 seats on November 3.

Erin Covey, the U.S. House editor for the Cook Political Report, said the question is now the size of the Democratic majority. She noted that the path for Republicans to retain control has almost disappeared.

Jeffries was in San Antonio to support Johnny Garcia, the Democratic candidate for the 35th Congressional District. The district was created by redistricting to group voters of color in a way that favored Republicans. Garcia said he invited Jeffries because local Democrats needed a high-profile figure to energize the base.

Jeffries visited two Black churches on Sunday morning. He quoted the Apostle Paul to the audience at Cavalry Baptist. He said the party would provide a check on an executive branch that he described as out of control. He argued that the current administration is raising prices and cutting social programs without proper congressional permission.

The 56-year-old leader grew up in Brooklyn attending Cornerstone Baptist Church. He appeared comfortable speaking to the San Antonio congregation. Reverend Kevin L. Nelson, who leads Cavalry Baptist, told the crowd that Jeffries understands both politics and the Prince of Peace.

Garcia told the audience that Jeffries agreed to the trip immediately. The candidate said the community wanted to see the potential speaker of the House. He said together they would make history by delivering the nation's first Black speaker.

After the service, Jeffries took questions from reporters. He credited Garcia with making a difficult race competitive. He said Texas Republicans and President Donald Trump attempted to rig the midterms through gerrymandering. He praised Garcia for stepping forward to challenge the map.

Jeffries said he looks forward to working with new members of the Texas delegation. He said the American people want dramatic change rather than the status quo. He stated that Garcia and other new members will bring new energy to Congress.