Tag: Joyce Beatty

House Democrats overwhelmingly nominated Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday to be the next speaker – but she failed to defuse a rebellion within her ranks, setting the stage for a potential showdown on the chamber floor when the new Congress convenes in January. Read more The 203-32 vote represented a critical test of strength for the longtime Democratic leader, and proved she commands broad support from her caucus. If Democrats win a final House race yet to be called after the midterm elections, and where their candidate is leading, they will hold 235 seats, meaning Pelosi could afford to lose 17 Democratic votes if all Republicans oppose her. “I’m talking about scores of members of Congress who just gave me a vote – are giving me a vote of confidence,” Pelosi said. When it came to the floor vote, only four Democrats opposed her. This time could prove trickier after several new members vowed to vote against Pelosi as candidates. “We remain united behind our goal of new leadership and we intend to vote against Leader Pelosi in Caucus and on the floor of the House.” Moulton, who circulated a letter signed by 16 Democratic incumbents and new members, that calls for a change in leadership, called on Pelosi to develop a “plan for succession”. “But we still have many glass ceilings to break for women of color.” Jeffries’ ascent to the No 5 spot ensures that the caucus will have two African Americans on the leadership team for the first time. Both are viewed by their colleagues as a potential heirs when Pelosi steps down. “There are a lot of differing views, even within the Democratic caucus.