Jeffries optimistic about Democratic House chances, criticizes Trump's Russia sanctions waiver

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries stated Sunday that the election climate remains favorable for Democrats as he campaigned for Rep. Marcy Kaptur in a key Ohio congressional district. The district is considered crucial in the Democratic strategy to win back majority control of the House from Republicans.

Jeffries also strongly criticized President Donald Trump's recent decision to waive sanctions on Russia. He announced that there will be a bipartisan effort within the House to pursue a new sanctions package that would prevent the president from waiving them. "It's shocking, but not surprising, that an American president would do so much to undermine the cause of democracy, freedom and dignity for the Ukrainian people," Jeffries told The Associated Press in Toledo.

Jeffries, who is positioned to become House Speaker if Democrats regain the majority, has been actively campaigning for Democratic candidates across the country. He dismissed the assessment by House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, that the upcoming Nov. 3 election would mirror the 2024 results that led to Trump's presidency and Republican control of Congress, calling them "divorced from reality." "We are working hard across the county, continuing to make the case that we need dramatic change as opposed to the status quo," Jeffries said, "and that Democrats are going to be the only ones to fight to make this country affordable."

The Ohio, often referred to as the Buckeye State, is experiencing a highly contested midterm election cycle that will determine control of Congress. While the Senate race between Republican Jon Husted and Democrat Sherrod Brown has drawn significant attention, the House races present a more granular, district-by-district challenge that is vital for achieving majority control.

The Toledo-area House seat, currently held by Rep. Marcy Kaptur, has been identified as a top priority. Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in the House, has held the seat for decades. However, the district has previously voted for Trump, and Republicans are aiming to flip it. Kaptur narrowly defeated Republican candidate Derek Merrin two years ago, and Merrin is again seeking the seat.

Kaptur told The Associated Press that her campaign focuses on tangible improvements in people's lives beyond election cycles. "We work very hard. We don’t just work at elections. We work to make a difference in the lives of people."

The Toledo region has a significant Ukrainian American population, and Kaptur, who co-chairs the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, sharply criticized Trump's decision to waive sanctions approved by Congress to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. "What he did is just un-American," she stated. "He has sided with Putin."

Members of both parties in Congress have expressed outrage over Trump's decision to waive the sanctions, which were set to take effect Sunday, shortly after the president had signed the authorizing bill into law. Speaker Mike Johnson indicated on Fox News that several colleagues have voiced concerns and that he knows the president is reviewing the situation, though he had not spoken directly with Trump. "We need to talk about it and I think carefully consider the unintended consequences," Johnson said.