Nancy Pelosi’s top deputies will make way for the next generation of Democratic leadership after the House speaker announced her intention to retire as the top House Democrat.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) will step down from the No. 2 post after the current session of Congress expires, Punchbowl News reported Thursday, while House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) will remain in leadership but as assistant Democratic leader. The moves will allow Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (D-MA), and Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA) to rise to the top three spots.
PELOSI STEPS DOWN AFTER TWO DECADES LEADING HOUSE DEMOCRATS
The expectation is that Jeffries will take over as minority leader in the new Congress, with Clark as minority whip and Aguilar as Democratic Caucus chairman.
Hoyer, who will return to the Appropriations Committee, said he would advise the caucus, if requested, and revealed he would back Jeffries to replace Pelosi.
“I believe that it is time for me, however, to continue my service in a different role. Therefore, I have decided not to seek elected leadership in the 118th Congress,” he said in a statement.
Clyburn said he plans to stay on as assistant leader in a statement honoring Pelosi.
“I look forward to her continued service and doing whatever I can to assist our new generation of Democratic Leaders which I hope to be Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar,” he said.
Asked whom she would be supporting to succeed her, Pelosi told reporters after her Thursday speech from the House floor, “It’s up to the caucus.”
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Jeffries released a statement that did not mention a bid for her old position, instead focusing on her legacy. He deflected when reporters asked about his ambitions.
“Nancy Pelosi’s historic ascension to become the first woman Speaker of the House will forever inspire our nation on the power of possibility,” he said in the statement, telling reporters, “Today is a day to celebrate the historic speakership of Nancy Pelosi.”
Some Democratic colleagues said Jeffries is the correct choice to replace Pelosi, describing him as a leader who may be able to find consensus with Republicans in the majority in the next Congress.
“I think Hakeem Jeffries possesses that ability — of how to make sure we will have a political message but also how we can work together across the House and to talk and do so in an amicable way. I think that’s important in being a leader,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY). “It takes two to tango, and so I’m hoping that we will have two to tango. I’m confident on the Democratic side, we will be ready to get the work done for the American people.”
