Questions about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) plans for the future now that Democrats have lost control of the chamber are being answered.
On Thursday, Pelosi revealed she will continue to serve in the House. However, she will not seek to remain in leadership.
During a speech on the House floor, the California Democrat said, “There is no greater official honor for me than to stand on this floor and to speak for the people of San Francisco. This I will continue to do as a member of the House speaking for the people of San Francisco, serving the great state of California, and defending the Constitution.”
“And with great confidence in our caucus, I will not seek re-election to Democratic leadership in the next Congress,” she continued. “For me, the hour [has] come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect.”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) announces she will step down from Democratic leadership next year, calling for a “new generation” to lead House Democrats:
— The Recount (@therecount) November 17, 2022
“With great confidence in our caucus, I will not seek re-election to Democratic leadership in the next Congress.” pic.twitter.com/SqaA5QkTyj
Her spokesperson Drew Hammill tweeted on Wednesday night, “[Pelosi] has been overwhelmed by calls from colleagues, friends and supporters. This evening, the Speaker monitored returns in the three remaining critical states. The Speaker plans to address her future plans tomorrow to her colleagues. Stay tuned.”
@SpeakerPelosi has been overwhelmed by calls from colleagues, friends and supporters. This evening, the Speaker monitored returns in the three remaining critical states. The Speaker plans to address her future plans tomorrow to her colleagues. Stay tuned.
— Drew Hammill (@Drew_Hammill) November 17, 2022
Pelosi’s decision comes as some members of her party have called for new leadership.
NBC News notes, “The top three House Democratic leaders — Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina — have led the caucus for nearly two years and are all in their 80s.”
Pelosi, 82, was first sworn into Congress in June 1987 and went on to make history as the first female House speaker.
During her time in Congress, NBC also notes she has been “a central player in passing the most significant laws in recent history, from President Barack Obama’s signature health insurance measure and President Joe Biden’s climate change initiative to President George W. Bush’s Wall Street bailout and President Donald Trump’s Covid-19 rescue programs.
Pelosi’s announcement also comes after Republicans were projected to win control of the chamber.
NBC News projects Republicans will win as many as 221 seats in the lower chamber, a narrow three-seat majority.
While Republicans picked up far fewer seats than the historical average, winning control of the House will give them the ability to hinder President Joe Biden’s agenda.
Biden reportedly called Pelosi to ask her to stay in office for the next two years after the midterm elections.
“I hope you stick,” he reportedly told her according to Politico.
When she pointed out she had personal considerations, Biden responded, “I know it’s family first but I hope you stick.”