On Thursday morning, soon-to-be former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) convened the U.S. House, where she announced, “I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress. For me the hour’s come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus.”
She claimed the people “rejected” “insurrection” while claiming they defended “democracy” during this election.
According to the Associated Press, “The speaker took home two versions of her speech overnight for review” before making the announcement.
The AP noted that ambitious younger Democrats are vying to move past the octogenarian House leadership:
Pelosi’s leadership team, with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Democratic Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina, has long moved as a triumvirate. Hoyer and Clyburn are also making decisions about their futures.
All now in their 80s, the three House Democratic leaders have faced restless colleagues eager for them to step aside and allow a new generation to take charge.
Democrats Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Rep. Pete Aguilar of California have similarly moved as a trio at times, all working toward leadership roles themselves.
