rts say Pelosi must be ‘in control’ if she wants the top Dem seat in House after strong midterms
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could use Democrats’ strong electoral performance during midterm elections to secure another term atop conference, party strategists say. This could potentially destroy months of Democratic preparations for a post-Pelosi world, political experts and party strategists claim.
“Speaker Pelosi has the power to decide her future and that of the Democratic House Caucus, given the amazing turn of events last evening,” Kevin Walling, a former Biden 2020 surrogate, told Fox News Digital.
Democrats performed better than consensus in the House amid expectations of a red tide. Fox News Decision Desk hadn’t officially declared control of the chamber as of Wednesday afternoon. However, if Republicans do win control in 2023, as they expect, it will likely to be by a smaller majority than expected.
This result for Democrats under the hear leadership, which is contrary to historical trends – plus recent hints by Pelosi (D-Calif.), that she may remain in the arena following an attack on her husband, could indicate that the speaker is staying put.
Multiple House Democratic sources suggested to Fox News’ Chad Pergram recently that Pelosi might not be ready for the end, especially after the attack on Paul Pelosi in their California home. They believe that Pelosi could be encouraged to stay by the attack on her husband.
Pelosi incited this speculation during a CNN interview. She stated that the attack on her husband would affect her decision regarding her political future.
Pelosi dodged another question in a PBS interview on Tuesday. Fox News Digital reached out to her office for comment on Wednesday.
James Wallner, R Street Institute senior fellow for governance, said that members of Congress, , and particularly those in the upper echelons of Congress are almost a new breed of people. In that scenario, one could attack one’s spouse and say, “You know what…I’m going to show you.” “I’m going to stay.
This would roil Pelosi’s complex shadow-race to be the top House Democrat. If she steps down, it would likely include several high-profile lawmakers.
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Fox News Digital was recently informed by a House Democratic aide that Rep. Adam Schiff, D.Calif a> is setting the stage for a leadership run. According to the aide, Hosue Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffreyries, D.N.Y. appears to have more support for the post than Schiff.
Other potential candidates include Majority Leader Steny Hyer, D.Md., who visited 66 states to campaign for other Democrats this cycle – the kind of thing someone looking for a leadership position would do – and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), who also had a busy campaign schedule.
Other experienced candidates for the Democratic leadership include Katherine Clark, D.Mass., and Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), House Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), House Progressive Caucus Chair, could also have strong constituencies among the party’s left flank, if she runs.
Wallner stated that Pelosi may have trouble winning a leadership race if there is a divided caucus as well as a progressive wing looking for change.
Former adviser to President Bill Clinton, Mark Penn said that he believes Pelosi will ultimately make the right decision if Democrats win a majority in the House.
Fox News Digital’s he said that Pelosi would stay on if the Democrats win the House. “She has shown grit, determination and seems to love what she does,” he said. “If the Dems lose their House, which is likely, I don’t think she will stay on as leadership because that would be a step back. She would then gracefully exit and celebrate a successful term.
Walling, a Democratic strategist, stated that he could see Pelosi retiring. He said that she would have a strong chance if she did try to remain in leadership.
Walling stated that Pelosi described the election results today as a “remarkable achievement” during a conference call with her members. This, Walling said to Fox News Digital. “I could also imagine her seeking and easily securing another term in minority leader, knowing how precarious Kevin McCarthy will be and her ability run legislative circles around him.”
Pelosi left Wednesday for Egypt’s climate summit without revealing any future plans. With Democratic leadership elections expected later in the month or early December, she will have plenty of time to make her decision.
Representatives from Schiff, Hoyer, Clyburn Jeffries, Jeffries and Jeffries. Jayapal, Clark, and Aguilar did not comment on this story.
This report was contributed by Kelly Phares and Chad Pergram from Fox News.