House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries says he is optimistic Democrats will regain control of the House in November, pointing to voter frustration over the cost of living and several closely watched congressional races in New York.

In a wide-ranging interview with News 12’s Tara Rosenblum, Jeffries said his travels across the country have convinced him voters are looking for a change in direction.

“What's clear is that dramatic change is necessary,” Jeffries said. “The American people know that things aren't going well.”

Jeffries said New York will be a critical part of Democrats’ strategy, with the party working to protect incumbents, including Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen on Long Island while targeting Republican-held seats elsewhere in the state.

“We're working hard to make sure that Rep. Tom Suozzi and Rep. Laura Gillen are both reelected,” Jeffries said.

He also singled out the 17th Congressional District race, where Democrat Cait Conley is challenging Republican Rep. Mike Lawler.

Jeffries predicted Conley would win, describing the race as “incredibly important.”

“This is a race that's going to be decided by people on the ground,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries stressed that protecting New York incumbents like Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen remain the party’s top priority, while calling the 17th Congressional District race where Cait Conley is challenging Rep. Mike Lawler "incredibly important."

With affordability as Democrats' core message, Jeffries proposed housing construction incentives, tax credit expansions, and taking legislative steps to bring an end to the "reckless, unnecessary war" in Iran driving up energy costs.

Recalling his grueling, marathon speech on the House floor opposing what he calls the Republican "One Big, Ugly Bill," Jeffries explained why he felt compelled to talk through the night - speaking for eight hours and 44 minutes until early morning.

Jeffries said the lengthy stand was necessary to expose what he viewed as hidden efforts to enact historic cuts to Medicaid and strip nutritional assistance from young people, older Americans, and veterans to fund tax breaks for billionaire donors.

“I didn't think it was right for there to be a bill of that consequence passed in the dead of night,” Jeffries said. “And Republicans, I believe, were trying to hide things from the American people. I wanted to expose it.”

Jeffries did not rule out using congressional spending authority to force an end to the conflict, emphasizing that Democrats will examine all available legislative options to support what Americans want.

Looking ahead to potential control of the House, Jeffries promised that Democrats would begin holding officials accountable on Day 1, pointing to what he described as unprecedented corruption from the "Trump cartel."

Jeffries emphasized that Congress must function as a separate, co-equal branch and act as a check on an out-of-control executive branch. As part of that push for accountability and ethical reform, Jeffries voiced strong support for banning stock trading across the board.

“I'm a strong supporter of prohibiting stock trading by any member of Congress, any member of the Senate, any member of the cabinet, the president, the vice president, as well as the Supreme Court,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries sharply criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, describing the agency as "completely and totally out of control" and stating that House Democrats refuse to provide funding for Donald Trump's mass deportation machine. He demanded major reforms, including independent state and local investigations, judicial warrants before agents break into homes, and mandatory body cameras with unmasked agents.

Turning to local law enforcement, Jeffries voiced support for NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and her leadership in keeping New York City safe.

Reiterating support for a two-state solution, Jeffries said achieving lasting peace requires dismantling Hamas, increasing Gaza aid and cracking down on West Bank settler violence.

Backing Gov. Kathy Hochul’s data center moratorium, Jeffries argued Congress must step in with bipartisan safeguards because "we can't be the case that we allow the industry alone to police itself."

Following a high-profile sexual assault case at Cornell University, Jeffries called the allegations deeply troubling and said the House Education and Labor Committee should examine whether federal standards are needed to keep students safe on college campuses.

Looking past the midterms, Jeffries declined to name 2028 presidential contenders but praised next-generation voices like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pat Ryan as strong leaders with bright futures.

Reflecting on lessons learned from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi regarding party management, Jeffries emphasized the importance of keeping the caucus aligned despite diverse perspectives.

“Our diversity is our strength, but our unity is our power,” Jeffries said, stressing that House Democrats remain committed to finding common ground to deliver results.

Looking ahead to future congressional oversight and the possibility of a third impeachment inquiry, Jeffries declined to rule anything in or out, emphasizing that decisions will be driven by House committees.

Pointing to leadership under Reps. Jamie Raskin on the Judiciary Committee and Robert Garcia on the Oversight Committee, Jeffries expressed confidence that Democrats will prioritize transparency and accountability.

“It's my expectation that the Democrats on these two committees are going to do right by the American people,” Jeffries said. “And that means following the facts, applying the law, being guided by the Constitution, and then letting the chips fall where they may.”

Reflecting on the legacy of Shirley Chisholm at Brooklyn's Shirley Chisholm State Park, Jeffries acknowledged the historic stakes of potentially becoming the country's first Black speaker of the House.

Summing up his mood in one word, Jeffries said: “Optimistic.”