Don Leonard has not taken his seat in Congress yet. The Ohio Democrat is already learning how hardball politics works in Washington.

The Rep.-elect went viral with a video claiming senior Democrats said they would make his life a "living hell" if he does not vote for Hakeem Jeffries as House speaker. He was asked about it on Wednesday.

Dinner with a warning

Leonard said the message came during a dinner with senior elected officials. He described it as "very friendly advice with very stark consequences."

So what are the consequences? He said he could be kept off committees. His bills could be stopped before they ever get a vote on the House floor. Help with his reelection could also vanish.

The reporter who interviewed him likened the whole thing to "The Godfather."

Sound familiar?

He was asked if this sounded like the kind of behavior Democrats slam Donald Trump for. Leonard answered, "Welcome to Washington, D.C."

He said he was let down. Still, he stressed that the lawmakers were not speaking for party leadership.

No names

Leonard was pushed to say who gave him the warnings. He would not do it. He did not seem eager to make more enemies before he even starts the job.

Why he is holding out

Leonard has not committed to backing Jeffries. He wants movement on campaign finance reform plus changes to U.S. foreign policy first.