Though House Democrats lost seats in this week’s elections rather than gaining a slew as expected, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she’s running for another two-year term.
The California Democrat on Friday sent a letter to her party colleagues congratulating members on their “victory” and for “strengthening our Democratic House Majority.”
Pelosi, 80, and her Democratic leadership promised a second “blue wave” similar to what was seen during the 2018 midterm cycle. But after the Tuesday night elections, House Republicans are on track to pick up between seven and 12 House seats. That will leave Democrats with a substantially weaker majority than their preelection level of 232 members in the 435-person chamber.
Pelosi, however, appeared optimistic in her letter:
“In that spirit, I am writing to request your support to be re-elected as Speaker. I do so with utmost respect for the diverse viewpoints in our Democratic Caucus, the gravity of this role the urgency of the challenges ahead. I also do so with the great joy and appreciation to so many of you who have already offered your support.”
After the 2018 midterm elections, in which House Democrats won the majority for the first time in eight years, Pelosi faced and swatted back several challenges to her leadership from other members. So far, in 2020, nobody has said they would step up to run against her.
