Jared Kushner, son-in-law to President Donald Trump, has met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in recent weeks, according to reports. The meeting, which took place in Manhattan and was facilitated by a mutual acquaintance, saw the two discuss topics including housing, immigration, and the rising cost of living.
This interaction comes as the Republican party faces a challenging political landscape leading up to the midterm elections. Historically, Republicans have maintained control of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives during President Trump's second administration. However, current polling data suggests a shift, with an exclusive poll in July indicating that voters favored Democratic candidates by over nine percentage points. Former President Trump has also expressed concerns about voter turnout among conservative voters in the absence of his name on the ballot.
Despite potential headwinds, the Republican party is reportedly outperforming Democrats in fundraising, both nationally and in key electoral districts. This suggests that the ultimate control of Congress may hinge on voter turnout in battleground areas rather than solely on the influence of Washington insiders.
Jeffries and Kushner have a history of collaboration, having previously worked together to advance the bipartisan First Step Act criminal justice reform law in 2018. The current meeting also occurs as Jeffries positions himself for a potential speakership, navigating the party's internal dynamics, which include a growing number of progressive candidates who have successfully unseated more established lawmakers in recent primaries. Notable primary upsets include the defeats of longtime representatives in New York and Colorado by candidates endorsed by progressive figures.