House Democrats Affirm Leadership Slate
The Democratic Caucus re-elected Nancy Pelosi to be its minority leader on Thursday, continuing the Californian’s long reign as the top Democrat in the House.
Pelosi was nominated by her fellow Californian, Mike Thompson, who called Pelosi a triple threat on the political, policy and fundraising fronts, according to a Pelosi aide.
Her nomination was seconded by incoming representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio, along with Nydia M. Velázquez of New York and Jan Schakowsky of Illinois.
Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer Maryland and Assistant Leader James E. Clyburn of South Carolina were re-elected to their posts, while Xavier Becerra of California was elected caucus chairman, a step up from the vice chairman slot he had previously held.
Joseph Crowley was elected caucus vice chairman; he is the only new face on the leadership team.
The elections ratify a leadership team composed of largely the same figures who have led the party over the past several Congresses.
Several top Democrats, including outgoing Caucus Chairman John B. Larson of Connecticut, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Florida’s Debbie Wasserman Schultz are not formally part of the House leadership team, although Van Hollen attends leadership meetings as Budget Committee ranking member and Wasserman Schultz has expressed interest in staying on as chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. Larson is term-limited and decided not to pursue another leadership position.
After her re-election, Pelosi recalled her call with President Barack Obama on election night. “Nancy, with my re-election, we have protected all of the accomplishments we achieved together,” Pelosi quoted the president as having said, according to the Pelosi aide. She mentioned the heath care reform Affordable Care Act and Dodd-Frank financial services law as touchstones.
Pelosi’s next task is scheduling Steering Committee votes to select ranking member slots for committees.