Pelosi to Step Down From Leadership - But Will Stay in Congress

Pelosi to Step Down From Leadership - But Will Stay in Congress

United States Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced on Thursday that she will leave leadership in January following election losses that cost Democrats their majority -- but that she will remain in Congress.

Pelosi, who is the first woman to serve in the post and had led the Democrats for two decades, made the announcement during a floor speech a day after Republicans secured control of the chamber.

"Why it matters," reported Axios. "Those who have served loyally by her side for nearly two decades — Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Whip Jim Clyburn — have said they are ready to step aside to allow for the new guard to ascend to power. That's given way to the rise of Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.)."

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Axios continued:

"The three have developed a close relationship while serving together in leadership, and they'll run as a united front with buy-in from a large swath of the Democratic caucus that is eager to usher in a younger and more diverse group of leaders to power."