The Commonwealth’s newly elected Democrats, who voters just sent to Washington, will now be pivotal in writing Nancy Pelosi’s future.
Nancy Pelosi just helped Democrats recapture the House after eight years out of power. While she funneled millions of dollars to the incoming freshmen class, more than fifty Democrats won their elections in part by vowing to oppose her for Speaker.
While newly elected Richmond area Democrat Abigail Spanberger says she’s a firm “no” on Pelosi, northern Virginia’s new Democrat Jennifer Wexton is now fully behind Pelosi. “I know that Leader Pelosi has been an amazing leader for many, many years and accomplished many things," Wexton said. She told CNBC that she believes Pelosi is best equipped to hit the ground running when Democrats take over the majority in the House in January.
Virginia Democrat Gerry Connolly has been in office for a decade and is working to get Pelosi back in the Speaker’s chair, though he knows it’s an uphill battle. “It’s a close thing. I’m supporting Nancy, because no one is more skilled and has earned it more than she. She’s done the job, never lost a vote. Having said that there’s a huge desire, that’s quite understandable, for change,” Connolly admitted
Virginia Beach’s incoming Democratic representative Elaine Luria is still undecided on Pelosi who has the support of the majority of her Democratic caucus. Still she doesn’t have enough support from her party to be named Speaker by the whole House.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.