Nancy Pelosi Steps Aside: Will Not Seek Reelection as Democrat House Leader

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) stated Thursday that she will not run for reelection as the Democratic leader of the House.

I have decided not to seek elected leadership in the 118th Congress – it is time for me to continue my service in a different role. I intend to return to the Appropriations Committee to continue my work focusing on education, health care, and our workers. https://t.co/2i57axC5nf

— Steny Hoyer (@RepStenyHoyer) November 17, 2022

“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 our Constitution, and with great confidence in our caucus, I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress,” Pelosi stated on the House floor.

“The hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic Caucus that I greatly respect,” she added.

Pelosi resigns as House Democratic leader after Republicans retake the chamber in the midterm elections. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is the Republican contender to replace Pelosi as House Speaker. McCarthy needs 218 votes on the House floor in early 2023, at the start of the new Congress, to get there.

Pelosi served as House Speaker twice and has represented her California seat since 1987.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) may succeed Pelosi as House Democratic leader. Earlier on Thursday, it was reported that Pelosi will remain in Congress but quit leadership to help train Jeffries, her preferred successor, when he enters Democratic leadership.