Ohio congressman Tim Ryan, who has served in Congress since 2003, announced in a letter to colleagues Thursday afternoon that he would challenge Nancy Pelosi in House Democratic leadership elections.
“Under our current leadership, Democrats have been reduced to our smallest congressional minority since 1929,” Ryan writes. “This should indicate to all of us that keeping our leadership team completely unchanged will simply lead to more disappointment in future elections.” Pelosi has led the House Democrats as minority leader from 2003 until 2007, then as speaker of the House from 2007 to 2011, and minority leader again from 2011 until the present.
Here’s Tim Ryan’s full letter:
Dear Democratic Colleague, Last Tuesday’s election will forever be remembered as a major turning point for the United States of America. Like many Americans I was disheartened by the results, but I also realized that Democrats must not let this opportunity for change pass by without a fight. I have spent countless hours meeting and talking to Members of our Caucus, and the consensus is clear. What we are doing right now is not working. Under our current leadership, Democrats have been reduced to our smallest congressional minority since 1929. This should indicate to all of us that keeping our leadership team completely unchanged will simply lead to more disappointment in future elections. Over the last 18 years, Democrats have only been in the majority of the House of Representatives for two terms and last week’s election results set us back even further. We have lost over 60 seats since 2010. We have the fewest Democrats in state and federal offices since Reconstruction. At this time of fear and disillusionment, we owe it to our constituencies to listen and bring a new voice into leadership. The American people need to know we understand that they elected us to fight for economic opportunity for all. We need to create America 2.0 — a multicultural, progressive, and innovative country that fights every day for ordinary people. While having a position in Democratic Leadership has never been my life’s ambition, after this election I believe we all need to re-evaluate our roles within the Caucus, the Democratic Party, and our country. That is why I am announcing my run for Minority Leader of the Democratic Caucus and humbly request your support. In the days and weeks ahead, I will put forward policies and ideas to help us energize the diverse base of our party, and fight the intolerance and dangers that President-elect Trump represents. I expect the entire Caucus to hold me accountable. That is why if I am successful I will not serve again without the support of two-thirds of the Caucus. We need more voices at the Democratic Leadership table. Every member of our Caucus must play an important role in the future of our party and our country. Vote for me and I will dedicate all of my energy to lead us back into the majority. Our constituents deserve nothing less. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Tim Ryan
Ryan had a reputation as a moderate Democrat–he was elected as a pro-lifer in 2002–but he formally announced in 2015 that he supported a right to abortion.
