House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi maintained Thursday that she has enough support from her party to become the next speaker — even though more than a dozen Democrats have publicly announced their opposition to her candidacy.
But Pelosi’s bid for speaker has faced some unexpected hurdles.
At least 17 House Democrats — including New York newcomers Max Rose and Anthony Brindisi — have signed a letter affirming they won’t support Pelosi because they argue the party needs fresh leadership in Washington ahead of the 2020 election. Another five Dems are rumored to be considering signing the letter and yet another 10 blue representatives have said they won’t back Pelosi unless she commits to an overhaul of House rules on how legislation is advanced.
That opposition aside, Pelosi will almost certainly win a Democratic caucus vote set for Nov. 28.
However, it’s when the full House convenes to vote on her speakership on Jan. 3 that she could run into trouble.
While some House midterm races have yet to be called, Democrats are expected to pick up at least 32 seats, which will put them in a 25-30 seat majority.
If House Republicans are united in opposing Pelosi’s candidacy, she can only afford to lose some 25 Dem votes without jeopardizing her chances.
It was “the biggest victory for the Democrats since 1974, when the Watergate babies came in,” Pelosi said.
It’s unclear who would step in to fill Pelosi’s place should she not garner enough support for the speakership.
Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio), a former chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, coyly suggested earlier this week she would consider running if Pelosi’s campaign falls flat.