Jeffries on leadership transition: “The honor of standing on the shoulders”

representing Hakeem Jeffries (DN.Y), widely expected to lead its caucus in the next Congress, said Sunday it was an honor to follow the previous generation of top Democrats.

“It is an honor to stand on the shoulders of such an extraordinary group of leaders: Jim Clyburn, Steny Hoyer and of course, Nancy PelosiJeffries said on CNN’s “State of the Union,” referring to the outgoing House Majority Whip, House Majority Leader and Speaker of the House, respectively.

The trio of octogenarians announced last week that they plan to leave the leadership positions, paving the way for a generational change in party leadership. Jeffries announced his intention to run for leader of the House of Democrats on Friday and was running unopposed on Sunday.