Read: Hakeem Jeffries' letter officially launching his bid for House speaker

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) formally launched his bid for speaker of the House on Wednesday in a letter to colleagues obtained by Axios. Why it matters: Jeffries is widely expected to become speaker after House Democrats' landslide midterm win. He would make history as the first African American to serve in the role. What he's saying: "I write to humbly request your support in connection with my candidacy to serve as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives," Jeffries wrote. He added: "We must now deliver the dramatic change the American people are demanding in the majority." Read the letter in full, via DocumentCloud :