In January, we watched MAGA Republicans take 15 rounds of votes to elect a Speaker of the House. Then, they held our economy hostage with the threat of default and nearly triggered a job-killing recession. And when their "leader," former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, attempted to avert that shutdown, they ousted him for working with Democrats, a necessary hurdle in a divided government.

The chaotic Republican civil war continues in the House after a group of MAGA extremists led by Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) succeeded in removing Kevin McCarthy. It was the first time in U.S. history that a House Speaker was removed, and only the second time it was tried. Republicans are too busy infighting to properly run the government. We need to put an end to this dysfunctional "leadership," and that means looking elsewhere for leadership.

Democrat Hakeem Jeffries is an impressive leader who has served in Congress for 10 years and has a well-deserved reputation as a consensus builder. As Rep. Pete Aguilar reminded the House: "[Jeffries] does not traffic in extremism. He does not grovel to or make excuses for a twice-impeached former president. He does not bend the knee to anyone who would seek to undermine our democracy." Sounds like the right person for the job.

House Republicans running in swing districts are tired of being forced to take bad votes and cater to the hard-right flank. MAGA nihilists like Matt Gaetz and Freedom Caucus members who have outsized power in their party. Jeffries taking over the gavel would be a gift to the embattled House GOP.

Enough is enough. We cannot continue to be held hostage by extremist lawmakers who have repeatedly demonstrated contempt for this country. It's time for real leadership. To save themselves, and the country, so-called moderate Republicans need to replace McCarthy with Jeffries.

Enough with the weak leadership and MAGA circus. Sign the petition: Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker!