Nancy Pelosi resigns as Democratic leader of the House of Representatives

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the first woman in office, said Thursday that she will not remain the Democratic leader of the House.

The announcement came a day after Republicans won the House majority in the midterm elections.

Pelosi, 82, has twice served as speaker. Liberal Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York may try to take her seat as the top Democrat in the House.

Some other leading Democrats may also make a similar attempt.

The current House Democratic leader, 83-year-old Steny Hoyer, has said he will leave the post and has endorsed Jeffries.

In addition, 82-year-old James Clyburn of South Carolina could run for the Democratic leadership position. Clyburn played an important role in the African-American Congressional Caucus and actively supported President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign.

Pelosi has said she plans to stay in Congress to help her successor.

Speaking to lawmakers in Congress, she called the House chamber “sacred ground” and “the heart of American democracy.”

“American democracy is majestic, but fragile. Many here have seen firsthand its fragility during the tragedy that took place in this House. And so democracy must be forever protected from forces that wish it harm,” Pelosi said, referring to the attack on the Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump. – We the people are one country, one destiny.”

Pelosi also noted the increase in the number of women in the House of Representatives since she first joined 35 years ago.

Republicans reportedly gained control of the House after last week’s congressional elections on Wednesday, giving them a slim majority in the chamber that will, however, allow them to obstruct Democratic President Joe Biden’s legislative agenda.

Democrats retained control of the Senate.

House Democrats are scheduled to vote for their party’s leaders on Nov. 30.

On Wednesday, Republicans endorsed Kevin McCarthy for speaker.