After Democrats lost control of the House to Republicans in the midterm elections, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Thursday that she would not run for a leadership role in the new Congress, signaling a crucial realignment that will pave the way for a new generation of leaders.
Following the terrible attack on her husband, Paul, last month in their San Francisco home, Pelosi revealed in a fiery statement on the House floor that she will step down after nearly 20 years as the party’s leader.
When the new Congress convenes in January, the San Francisco representative from California, who advanced to become the first woman in the country to hold the speaker’s gavel, announced that she would continue in that role.
Pelosi declared, “We must now venture courageously into the future.”
Pelosi declared, “I will not run for re-election to the Democratic leadership in the next Congress.”
“I believe it’s time for a new generation to take the helm of the Democratic caucus, which I hold in the highest regard.”
Following her words, she was given a standing ovation, and audience members approached her individually to give her hugs and well wishes.
It’s unusual for a party leader to continue after resigning as the head of the legislative majority.
Still, Pelosi, who has long bucked tradition in her quest for power in Washington, deserves such a decision.
Pelosi reviewed her career, beginning with the first time she and her father, a former congressman and mayor, saw the Capitol building to becoming a speaker and carrying out “the people’s task” while working with three presidents.
She declared, “Every day, I am a beneficiary of the magnificent miracle of American democracy.
Pelosi was welcomed into the chamber by Democrats around lunchtime.
Chuck Schumer, the majority leader in the Senate, joined the politicians who quickly filled the House, at least on the Democratic side.
The Pelosi staff and visitors were seated in the Speaker’s Gallery.
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