Speaker Nancy Pelosi, having lost at least 12 seats for her party in the House, can only lose so many Democrats if she wants to retain power next month.

Pelosi, 80, will run for speaker the first week in January when the House convenes for the 117th Congress. The entire House, including Republicans, vote for the speaker, meaning she must win 218 votes. No Democratic member challenged her for the post when her caucus nominated her virtually by voice vote last month.