House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday she plans to step down as party leader and remain in the chamber representing San Francisco. All eyes are now on the vacant position of House Minority Leader and who will fill that position.
“I hope the next leader will recognize the beauty and talent of our diversity as a nation. I loved the way he talked about women in leadership in his speech. I loved the way he mentioned the diversity of the incoming class,” New York said. Rep. Jamal Bowman, referring to Pelosi’s speech on the floor earlier in the day. “And another theme of his speech was coming along. And I hope the next speaker will.”
Some rank-and-file Democrats are calling for changes in the current roster of leaders, 822 who has led the caucus for 20 years, a new generation to replace Pelosi, as well as current House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., who is also in his 80s.
Pelosi isn’t the only one going somewhere. Hoyer announced that he would not seek an elected leadership position for the 118th Congress.
“I think it’s time for new leadership and I think we have a great opportunity. Quite frankly, I think if I could get elected, that wasn’t the issue,” Hoyer said. “I think it’s always good to have new blood and new passion, enthusiasm, and new ideas at the party.”
House Democrats are expected to hold a leadership election later this month. Announcements are sure to come from members for bids.
Here’s who to watch:
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, 52, of New York, has long been believed to be next in line if Pelosi steps down. Jeffrey has served as chairman of the Democratic caucus since 2019, was impeachment manager during former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial and, if elected, would be the chamber’s first black Democratic leader. Both he and the Senate Democratic leader are from Brooklyn, and Jeffries is a well-known Brooklynite, rapper The Notorious B.I.G. is known for quoting in his floor speeches.
Hoyer sent a letter Thursday to Democratic members expressing his support for Jeffrey to become a minority leader.
Massachusetts Rep. Catherine Clarke, 59, is expected to be a strong contender to be the next minority whip. Clark recently served as assistant speaker this congressional session, working alongside Pelosi as the two women in party leadership.
California Rep. Pete Aguilar, 43, is expected to be a contender for caucus chairman — Jeffries’ current role. Aguilar, who currently serves as the Democratic caucus vice chairman, is the highest-ranking Latino in Congress and rose to prominence as a member of the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Jim Clyburn also released a statement generally endorsing all three, though he has not yet announced whether he will run again.
California Reps. Amy Bera and Tony Cardenas have announced they will run the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the Democrats’ campaign arm, for the 2024 election. Former DCCC Chairman, New York Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, lost his bid for re-election.