Hakeem Jeffries is enjoying an early honeymoon leading House Democrats. But one day, he'll have to make 'hard commitments.'

• House Democrats say Hakeem Jeffries is a better listener and is more consensus-oriented than Pelosi.
• He's forged strong bonds with swing-district Democrats who voted against Pelosi's speakership.
• But the real test for Jeffries, progressives warn, will come when their party retakes the majority.

Hakeem Jeffries has officially been their new leader for just four months, and House Democrats are still trying to figure out what the future holds for their caucus.

The New York Democrat, who rank-and-file lawmakers have described as a gifted orator, a highly attuned listener, and a dogged consensus builder, is enjoying a period of goodwill following the end of Nancy Pelosi's 20-year tenure as the House Democratic leader.