Standing before members of congress this morning, Nancy Pelosi announced that she is stepping away from any Democratic leadership in congress moving forward.
Nancy Pelosi: “For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect.”
Pelosi, who was speaker of the house from 2007-2011 and once again from 2019 until now, will remain serving in the House. Her announcement comes after the Republicans regained a majority in the house.
Nancy Pelosi: “While we will have our disagreements on policy, we must remain fully committed to our shared fundamental mission, to hold strong to our most treasured democratic ideals, to cherish the spark of divinity in each and every one of us, and to always put our country first.”
Shortly after Pelosi’s announcement, both Democratic majority whip Jim Clyburn and majority leader Steny Hoyer also resigned from their positions, paving the way for a trio of new Democratic party leadership in the house for the first time in 20 years. While Pelosi hasn’t endorsed anyone to succeed her yet, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries has emerged as the favorite to serve as the new Democratic leader and he could run unopposed. If elected, he would be the first Black person to lead a party in congress. In her speech, Pelosi looks towards what is to come for the party.
Nancy Pelosi: “Now we must move boldly into the future, grounded by the principles that have propelled us this far and open to fresh possibilities for the future.”
Pelosi has been an image of power in Washington and as speaker has led Democrats during pivotal moments such as the impeachment trials of Donald Trump and helping to pass the Affordable Care Act. She has been a prominent part of the Democratic party for nearly three and a half decades,
Nancy Pelosi: “My friends, no matter what title you all, my colleagues, have bestowed upon me — speaker, leader, whip — there is no greater official honor for me than to stand on this floor and to speak for the people of San Francisco.”
Pelosi will continue to represent them when the new congress meets in January.