Current Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced on Thursday afternoon that she would not be seeking reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress, though she will not be retiring. She will remain as a backbencher and as an unofficial coach to her successor.
Pelosi’s speech included jabs at the former administration, saying “Indeed, American democracy is majestic, but it is fragile. Many of us here have seen its fragility firsthand, tragically, in this chamber. So democracy must be forever defended from forces that wish it harm.
NOW – Speaker Pelosi: "I will not seek re-election to democratic leadership in the next Congress." pic.twitter.com/veOTAScDQU
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“Last week, the American people spoke, and their voices were raised in defense of liberty, of the rule of law, and of democracy itself,” she said.
“With these elections, the people stood in the breach and repelled the assault on democracy. They resoundingly rejected violence and insurrection, and in doing so, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”
She said that she would be stepping back “With great confidence in our caucus,” and that she “”will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress. For me, the hour’s come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect.
“I’m grateful that so many are ready and willing to shoulder this awesome responsibility,” she said. “Madam Speaker, standing here today, I’m endlessly grateful for all of life’s blessings,” she said. She thanked her husband, who is recovering from a hammer attack, as well as her children, staff, and her constituents.
“As we participate in the hallmark of our republic, the peaceful transition from one congress to the next, let us consider the words of, again, President Lincoln, spoken during one of America’s darkest hours.
“He called upon us to come together, to swell the chorus of the union. When once again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature. That again is the task at hand
“A new day is dawning on the horizon, and I look always forward to the unfolding story of our nation, a story of light and love, of patriotism and progress. Of many becoming one. And always, an unfinished mission to make the dreams of today the reality of tomorrow. Thank you all, may God bless you and your families, and may God continue to bless our veterans and the United States of America,” Pelosi concluded, to loud applause.
