Actor Mark Ruffalo is urging Democrats in the incoming Congress to reject Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) as the next Speaker of the House, promoting an online petition that calls for lawmakers to select a different leader when the new Congress convenes in January 2027.

Ruffalo shared the petition on X on November 5, writing, "Sign this petition if you want a new Speaker of the House." The petition, titled "House Democrats: CHOOSE A NEW SPEAKER," calls on every member of the incoming 120th Congress to vote against Jeffries and choose another candidate.

"We are calling on every member of the incoming Congress to vote against Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker and choose a different candidate," the petition states.

The petition was launched September 3 by Nicole Whitted, a Democratic social media creator. It argues that the House speaker should represent Democratic voters rather than the party establishment and asks lawmakers to examine Jeffries' public record, policy positions, campaign donors, and leadership before casting their votes. The petition also encourages other Democratic lawmakers to seek the nomination.

The effort gained momentum after Democrats' sweeping victories in the November 3 midterm elections, which gave the party control of both chambers of Congress. Some progressive activists have criticized Jeffries over his political and financial ties to corporate interests and pro-Israel organizations, while others have questioned his relationship with figures associated with President Donald Trump.

The petition had surpassed 380,000 signatures when the figure was circulated November 5. It continued gaining support in the following days, passing one million signatures by November 7, according to reporting by Anadolu Agency. Change.org also identifies Whitted as a paid Change Ambassador, meaning she receives compensation connected to the petition.

Despite the online campaign, Jeffries remains the leading contender for the speakership. Axios reported that House Democrats and members-elect had received hundreds of calls urging them not to support him, although several lawmakers said they expected him to secure the position. Democratic leadership elections are scheduled for November 18-19, with the full House expected to vote for speaker when the new Congress convenes in January.