Pelosi, who has been a member of Congress since the Jurassic Period, served as Speaker from 2007-2011 and has represented her party as Minority Leader ever since.
She has been a member of the House since 1987.
Pelosi’s supporters insist they need an experienced leader like her to combat President Trump, but opponents say it’s time for a change in leadership. Unfortunately for them, Pelosi’s only challenger (Ohio Democrat Marcia Fudge) has already dropped out.
Fudge retracted her bid for Speaker last Tuesday after Pelosi promised to appoint her as leader of a revived elections subcommittee. “The erosion of voting rights and civil rights was on full display” during the midterm elections, argues Fudge. “Our party should reflect the diversity of our changing nation and guarantee all our citizens the unfettered right to vote and to have every vote count.”
Assuming all Republicans vote against her, Pelosi can’t afford to lose more than 16 votes on her side of the aisle. But nearly 20 Democrats have already said they do not intend to vote for Pelosi.
Pelosi’s savior could very well be President Trump, who despite previous criticism has expressed support for her campaign. “In all fairness, Nancy Pelosi deserves to be chosen Speaker of the House by the Democrats,” tweeted Trump, adding that he could get her “as many votes as she wants.”
Meanwhile, Republicans will choose between Jim Jordan (OH) and Kevin McCarthy (CA) to replace outgoing Speaker Paul Ryan (WI) as Party leader.
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If Pelosi gets her old job back, she will assume control of the House and act as liaison to the Senate and Oval Office. She will also be third in line for the presidency.
Lawmakers will vote for the Speaker in January.
Editor’s note: Pelosi is such a polarizing and hated figure, Trump believes she will actually benefit the Republican Party in the next election. In addition, Trump may find that his support will help pass some legislation and perhaps neutralize some of her criticisms. Given that Pelosi already had a good chance to win, this is a shrewd move on Trump’s part.