Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., is reaffirming her previous statement that the top three Democratic leaders in the House should step aside and make way for a new generation of leaders.
“I do think that having the top three leadership of the same generation, I think it’s time for that generational change,” Sanchez said when asked if she stood by her comments last October. “And whether there’s transition or not remains to be seen. I want to be part of that transition because I don’t intend to stay in Congress until I’m in my 70s.”
Following the stunning primary defeat of Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., who was widely seen as the most likely to succeed House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., a number of House Democrats have started to mull leadership bids of their own. Crowley was even expected to mount a bid against Pelosi. With him gone, Sanchez and others are weighing their options.
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Last year, Sanchez made headlines when she said Pelosi, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., should “pass the torch to a new generation” no matter the outcome of November’s election.
Sanchez, the fifth-ranking Democrat as vice chair of the caucus, repeated the sentiment on Wednesday, saying there is a “real breadth and depth of talent” in the caucus that should be utilized.
“So I do still stand by that statement that it’s time for a generational shift,” Sanchez said.
Though calls for leadership change has gained steam among candidates and members in the caucus, Sanchez is the highest-ranking Democrat pushing the idea that the entire leadership team should get the boot. Sanchez is considering a bid to replace Crowley, but hasn’t said when she’ll make her final decision.
Her comments Wednesday drew a rebuke from Pelosi’s office.
“House Democrats are focused on winning in November and if you are rowing in the opposite direction, you are only helping Republicans,” said Pelosi spokesman Drew Hamill.
Pelosi, Hoyer, and Clyburn have led the Democratic caucus as a trio for the last 12 years. Their grip on power has frustrated newer members but few have been willing to challenge them directly. Crowley’s loss could change that, but Pelosi has made clear she isn’t going anywhere.
