Today House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that she would not seek election to the House Democratic leadership in the next Congress. The two next most senior Democrats, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Whip James Clyburn, have both signaled they likewise would not seek leadership roles.
That’s quite a changing of the guard—all three are members of the Silent Generation, i.e. more than 7 years old.
That raises an interesting question: who will be the Minority Leader in the next Congress?
Some have mentioned Hakeem Jeffries as a possible successor to Speaker Pelosi who’s been a prominent member of the House leadership since 2003. Rep. Jeffries, 52, has served in the House since 2013. Others have mentioned Katherine Clark. Rep. Clark, 59, has also served since 2013. Pete Clark, 42, having served since 2015, has also been mentioned.
So, place your bets. Who will it be?
I have no idea.
No idea either and not that interested but it is encouraging to see them all go at once. I would have predicted that at least one of them would try to hang on.
Steve
De-facto, Nancy Pelosi.
I didn’t understand your comment about silent generation refusing to let go until Pelosi pointedly refused to leave the House yesterday.
Among those listed, I would predict either Jeffries or Pete Clark. The Baby Boomers have had their turn; now is the time for the Gen X shrug.
There has never been a Democratic Baby Boomer speaker, House majority/minority leader, or whip. It’s been Silent Generation all the way for the last 40 years.
Whoever it is, this is what they will deal with.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/11/republican-house-majority-oversight-committee-2022-election/672034/
Steve
That’s what I meant when I said a lot depends on how angry the incoming Republicans are.