The newly elected leaders of the centrist New Democrat Coalition are throwing their support behind Hakeem Jeffries for House speaker, positioning their expanding caucus as a pivotal force in the next Congress.

“We’ll be a critical voting bloc to make sure that he is the next speaker,” Rep. Nikki Budzinski of Illinois said Tuesday in her first interview after being elected coalition chair. “He will be the next speaker of the House.”

“Unequivocally and without hesitation,” added Rep. Marilyn Strickland of Washington, the group’s incoming vice chair of communications.

The coalition, already the largest ideological caucus among House Democrats, expects to have more than 140 members next term. Its leadership team also includes Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico as policy vice chair and Rep. Kim Schrier of Washington as outreach vice chair.

The leaders say they intend to help shape the party’s agenda and build consensus. Their early priorities align with Jeffries’ plans: restoring expired Affordable Care Act tax credits, repealing President Donald Trump’s tariffs and reversing Republican Medicaid cuts.

Health care could test that unity. The Congressional Progressive Caucus, which is expected to exceed 100 members next term, includes incoming lawmakers who campaigned on Medicare for All. New Democrat leaders said they support universal health care but expressed skepticism about a single-payer approach.

“The devil’s in the details here,” Schrier said. “Three words does not make policy.”

Budzinski said the coalition would develop a series on health care and educate members, arguing that market competition can improve outcomes and lower costs.

The group also wants to pursue bipartisan deals. Vasquez said he saw an opening on immigration after Trump discussed seeking an agreement with Democrats on “60 Minutes,” and said the coalition would continue pushing its immigration and border-security framework.

A more immediate test is a Senate-brokered permitting bill during the lame-duck session. Jeffries wants the measure revised, while negotiators warn that substantial changes favoring Democrats could jeopardize its passage.

New Democrat leaders have spoken positively about the revised deal without endorsing it. Budzinski said the coalition was watching negotiations closely and wanted to work across party lines to lower utility bills.

“Where there are opportunities now, even in the lame duck … we want to be a part of those conversations and start that work,” she said.