House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries publicly welcomed a new group of Democratic congressional nominees on Saturday, including three candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America whose primary victories have intensified debate over the Democratic Party’s progressive shift ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Jeffries’ message underscores the balancing act facing the top House Democrat as he attempts to unite an increasingly diverse party coalition before November’s general election.

Should Democrats regain control of the House, Jeffries is expected to become speaker.

That outcome would likely leave him presiding over a Democratic caucus featuring more self-described Democratic Socialists than at any previous point.

To date, more than a dozen candidates supported by the Democratic Socialists of America have either won their primaries or advanced to the next stage of congressional races this election cycle.

In a post on X, Jeffries wrote, “Congratulations to our Democratic nominees,” before naming congressional candidates from across New York. Included on the list were Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, all of whom either belong to or were backed by the Democratic Socialists of America and won closely watched primaries last week.

“From public servants to union organizers to community activists, the path is different but the work is the same,” Jeffries wrote. “We must decisively address the affordability crisis and crush far-right extremism!”

Lander, Chevalier and Valdez all received endorsements from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose support has further highlighted the growing influence of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing in New York. Lander and Chevalier each defeated incumbents endorsed by Jeffries — Reps. Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat, respectively. Jeffries did not endorse a candidate in the open-seat race won by Valdez.

As Democrats pivot toward the general election campaign, Jeffries appears to be rallying behind the party’s nominees as it seeks to reclaim the House majority.

The three socialist-backed candidates have also faced scrutiny over past social media posts, support for defunding the police and criticism of Israel, positions that have generated controversy within Democratic ranks.

Chevalier has come under renewed examination over resurfaced social media posts, including one in which she called to “literally abolish the border.”

She has also drawn criticism for previous posts in which she described former President Joe Biden as a “war criminal,” criticized former Vice President Kamala Harris and rebuked Sen. Bernie Sanders over Israel.

Like Chevalier, both Valdez and Lander, who is Jewish, have accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza.

Jeffries’ public congratulations quickly prompted backlash from critics.

The Republican Jewish Coalition condemned the message, arguing that the candidates are not the Democratic Party’s “fringe” but rather represent its emerging direction.

“To Jewish Democrats: your party is telling you EXACTLY who it is,” the Coalition wrote. “These future members of Congress, who @hakeemjeffries is welcoming with open arms, want to: Abolish prisons and borders. Defund the police. Downplay 9/11,” while citing other controversies surrounding the candidates.

Jamie Metzl, a former National Security Council and State Department official and a lifelong Democrat, also criticized Jeffries’ post.

“When I first read this post, I assumed it was from a spoof account. I am deeply concerned that it appears to be all too real,” Metzl wrote. “To welcome these nominees without acknowledging and criticizing their self-declared sympathies for U.S.-designated terrorist organizations, their calls to abolish the police, their stated desire to dismantle Western civilization, and their blatant anti-Americanism is to sacrifice the core principles of the Democratic Party.”

Metzl further accused Jeffries of prioritizing his ambitions to become speaker over the party’s values.

“I understand your ambition to become Speaker should Democrats retake the House, but you should not sacrifice the principles of our party to advance your own political aspirations,” Metzl wrote.

Democratic leaders have faced questions this week over how to address the rise of New York’s socialist candidates, particularly after supporters of Valdez were heard chanting “you’re next” at a television screen showing Jeffries on Tuesday night.

“They’re gonna eat you next Congressman – and replace you with one of their own,” conservative commentator Meghan McCain posted on X.

“This is funny,” conservative commentator Robby Starbuck posted on X. “Hakeem still doesn’t realize that the communists are going to eat him alive. Clearly not a student of history. Bless his heart.”

During an appearance on CNN on Friday, Jeffries said, “I think that what happens in a handful of primaries in one of the bluest cities in the country is not in any way indicative of what needs to happen in November, where we need to reelect every single frontline Member, common sense Democrats, authentically committed to making life better for the American people, opposing these extreme Republicans who have been nothing but a reckless rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s agenda.”

“And at the same period of time, make sure that we flip red seats blue, including in New York-17, where we have a combat veteran, incredibly patriotic American Cait Conley, who came out of a primary on Tuesday as well and is an incredibly strong candidate. She will defeat Mike Lawler in New York in November.”