US President Joe Biden has asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to remain in Congress and continue to be a congressional leader. The reported request comes amidst calls for the top House Democrat to retire and make way for younger leaders.
Two sources familiar with the matter said that Biden has asked Pelosi to remain in Congress in a leadership role for the Democratic Party. This comes amidst calls for Pelosi to step down and make way for younger leaders, with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn also facing the same calls.
Pelosi has long been seen as an effective leader of the party, having raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Democratic candidates for the past several decades. Pelosi’s effectiveness may help Biden move through the next two years of his term especially as the Republican Party has been projected to take control of the House of Representatives by a narrow majority.
Democrats are set to hold party leadership elections by November 30, and the GOP would try to win over leadership in a vote by the full House. This may provide a way for Pelosi to serve the next two years as the party’s leader should she decide to run again and win support from fellow Democrats.
Biden congratulated the GOP Wednesday on the party’s projected win following the recent midterm elections. Biden said he would work with the Republicans to deliver for the country.
“The American people want us to get things done for them,” said Biden in a statement. “I will work with anyone – Republican or Democrat – willing to work with me to deliver results for them.”
While the GOP is projected to win the House, the Democratic Party has retained control of the Senate following the re-election victory of Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. Cortez Masto’s re-election victory gives the party the 50 seats needed to control the Senate. Vice President Kamala Harris would continue to be the tie-breaking vote should the chamber remain evenly divided after the Georgia runoff elections.
With Democrats in control of the Senate, there would be a smoother process in confirming Biden’s judicial and cabinet appointees, including potential Supreme Court vacancies.