Not 24 hours after Tuesday’s elections, congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle were looking to get out in front of their bids to stay in leadership.  

Despite a Democratic drubbing, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland both intend to remain leaders of their caucus in the 114th Congress. Pelosi was first on the draw , sending a “Dear Colleague” letter Wednesday announcing her intent to remain minority leader. Hoyer wasn’t far behind; he sent his “Dear Colleague ” letter announcing his bid to remain in the whip post a few hours later.  

Hoyer highlighted his ability in the 113th Congress to keep Democrats united on key fights, from the farm bill to legislation reopening the government after a 2-week partial shutdown. Among the priorities he promised to fight for were voter protection, a sustainable fiscal path and deficit reduction that does not “come on the backs of the most vulnerable.”  

Pelosi and Hoyer have filled the No. 1 and 2 Democratic spots since 2003. House Republican leaders were also beginning to announce their formal bids Wednesday. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the GOP conference chairwoman, sent out a letter of her own touting her efforts to “reinvent the House Republican Conference,” expand the tent, embrace new media and unify members behind shared messages and values. Fresh from her first term as chairwoman of the conference, the Washington Republican also noted that she raised and contributed more than $3.5 million to the National Republican Congressional Committee.  

Speaker John A. Boehner, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Majority Whip Steve Scalise are all expected to remain in their positions, as well.

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