India, Nov. 4 -- Hakeem Jeffries is poised to become the first black Speaker of the US House of Representatives after Democrats won control of the chamber in the November 3 midterm elections, setting the stage for a historic change in congressional leadership when the new Congress convenes in January 2027.

Jeffries is a former lawyer who draws on scripture and hip-hop in his speeches in the House. The 56-year-old New York Democrat currently serves as House Democratic leader and is expected to lead his party's new majority, succeeding Republican Mike Johnson.

According to media reports, Jeffries was greeted with chants of "Speaker! Speaker!" at a Democratic election-night gathering in Washington. He is expected to face a formal vote from...