House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi announced Wednesday she will run again for Democratic leader, and told her rank-and-file members in a letter that she has secured two-thirds of the votes of the entire caucus.
Pelosi, D-Calif., sent a letter to House Democrats announcing her candidacy a day after postponing until after Thanksgiving elections that were supposed to occur today.
Pelosi has been a top House Democrat since 2001, when she was elected the first female whip. In recent days, however, some Democrats in her caucus have called for new blood in the leadership following Democratic losses last week. About 30 Democrats met earlier this week to hash out a strategy to delay the vote and reflect on the election day debacle.
Ohio’s Tim Ryan still hasn’t decided if he will challenge Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California to lead House Democrats in the 115thCongress.
“It was no surprise that Leader Pelosi was going to run again,” his spokesman, Michael Zetts, told the Washington Examiner. “Congressman Ryan is still having conversations with his colleagues and has made no decision at this time.”
Pelosi announced Wednesday that she hopes to retain her position as House minority leaders when Democrats convene Nov. 30 to select their leaders for the upcoming Congress.
Ryan’s is the only name so far floated as a potential challenger to Pelosi, who has led House Democrats since 2004.
Here is Pelosi’s letter to Democrats:
Dear Democratic Colleague,
Congratulations on your election to the 115th Congress.
This Congress will be an historic one because, in some ways, our nation stands at a crossroads. The American people are depending on us to step forward – and to do so with every ounce of strength, courage and idealism we can muster.
It is with both humility and confidence that I write to request your support for House Democratic Leader. As of this writing, I am pleased to report the support of more than two-thirds of the Caucus.
In the days since the election, I have been deeply grateful for the insights Members have shared with me. We have all been deeply moved by the stories and concerns of our constituents. They elected us to fight for their jobs, families and futures. We have and we will!
Your wisdom and leadership will be essential to our efforts in the months ahead. We must proceed with a clear vision, firm values and innovative strategy.
To be a strong voice for hard-working families and to uphold the values we cherish as Americans, House Democrats must be unified, strategic and unwavering. These qualities took us to victory in 2006 and I believe they will do so again. We must start now!
Thank you for your leadership, your friendship and your consideration. I would be honored by your support.
Best wishes,
Nancy Pelosi
Nicole Duran contributed
