Incoming freshman Gil Cisneros joins effort to topple Nancy Pelosi

Incoming freshman congressman Gil Cisneros is signing onto the effort to oust Nancy Pelosi, giving a small boost to the campaign against Democrats’ longtime leader.

Cisneros, who flipped a Republican-held seat in Orange County, Calif., is adding his name to a letter pledging to vote against Pelosi for speaker on the floor of the House.

“Throughout my campaign, I have emphasized the importance of bringing new leadership to Congress and how the need for change was a motivating factor in my decision to run,” Cisneros said in a statement Monday. “I intend to follow through on my commitment to support new leadership. Our Democratic caucus is comprised of many dedicated individuals who are more than capable of leading our Party and the House of Representatives into the future.”

Although he isn’t supporting her, Cisneros praised Pelosi’s leadership, calling her a “fearless advocate” for Californians and people across the country. “She is responsible for some of our Party’s greatest achievements, and I am thankful for her leadership,” Cisneros said.

Last week, Pelosi successfully picked off two agitators — a potential rival, Marcia Fudge, and an incumbent member, Brian Higgins, who signed onto the letter. Cisneros brings the number of those formally opposed to Pelosi back up to 16. Another four incoming Democrats who didn’t sign the letter also plan to vote against Pelosi, putting the total number of members prepared to vote against Pelosi to 20.

Pelosi can lose 16 members in the January floor vote, assuming every member votes and Republicans vote for one of their own. But with more than a month to go, Pelosi allies are confident she will peel off more defectors and reclaim the speaker’s gavel.

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