Is the End of the Nancy Pelosi Era Near? The Jockeying to Succeed Her Is in Full Force – Vanity Fair

Nobody can say for sure, but theres an expectation among aides on Capitol Hill that if Democrats lose control of the Houseas is the most likely scenario, per one Democratic aideNancy Pelosi will step down. There are the all-important caveats (Anyone who tells you that they know what Speaker Pelosi is going to dounless it is Speaker Pelosiis lying to you, another aide tells me), but as the November midterms inch closer, and the prospect of being in the minority grows, the jockeying to succeed one of the most storied Democratic leadership teams has begun in full force.

The drama isnt only around Pelosis next steps, however. Between the 82-year-old Speaker, House majority leader Steny Hoyer, 83, and House majority whip Jim Clyburn, 82Pelosis number two and threeDemocrats top leadership team combined has more than a century of experience in the House. Democratic lawmakers arent just eyeing who would replace their top leader; theres an appetite for a completely new generation to lead the party that could rankle some of Democrats most senior members.

It is always good to have a deep bench of people who are going to continue to lead the party in a way that resonates with people, Washington congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said. I think that there is a real sense that there is a real opportunity for some generational change in leadership, whether or not we hold the House. I think what we dont know is what that looks like, and who in the current leadership feels that way or doesnt feel that way.

In 2018, Pelosi agreed to a term limit for her speakership. But her office has routinely and repeatedly dismissed questions about her plans or possible succession; Pelosis office has said the Speaker is too focused on the midterms to be concerned about her title. The Speaker is not on a shift. Shes on a mission, Pelosi spokesperson Drew Hammill told Vanity Fair. Notably, Clyburn and Hoyer havent publicly stated their plans. Hoyer is proud to have the support of his colleagues and the American people and looks forward to building on this strong record by strengthening our majority and furthering efforts to ensure workers and families have the tools they need to Make It in America, Margaret Mulkerrin, Hoyers communications director, said when contacted for this article. (Clyburns office did not respond to a request for comment). If Hoyer or Clyburn make a play for the top job, or even if they make a bid to stay in their current roles, things could get messy quickly. For now, the mystery has led to a monthslong quiet race among some of the partys budding starsbased entirely on hypotheticals.

Conversations with congressional aides and lawmakers have painted the following picture of this shadow contest. New York congressman Hakeem Jeffries, currently the House Democratic Caucus chair, emerged as an early front-runner to take over for Pelosi. Jeffriess office declined to comment, but termed-out of his current position as caucus chair, Jeffries is fully expected to run for a higher rung in leadership. California congressman Adam Schiff is also seen as in the mix. While he hasnt announced any plans to make a bid for Speaker, he has had conversations with other members about the possibility. Schiffs prolific fundraising capabilitieshe touts a staggering nearly $20 million in his war chestwhich, as Puck recently laid out, could serve as an argument in his favor for a more prominent role within the caucus. Asked about the speakership, Schiff spokesperson Cate Hurley said, Chairman Schiff is doing everything possible to support vulnerable Democratic colleagues and promising challengers so that we can retain the House Democratic majority in November. That is where his time and energy are focused.

Any replacement would face the arduous task of propping up Democrats big tent. Despite her long tenure, Pelosis grip on the Democratic caucus has not gone unchallenged since she first became the leader in 2003. Particularly in recent leadership races, she has had to cut deals and make promises with factions of her party to hang on to the helm (like her pledge to step aside by the end of 2022). The partys historic premium on seniority has long been a source of tension; there is a sense among some members that they will never have a shot at leadership positions. Some feel the partys old guard is standing in the way of progress and change. These gripes again bubbled to the surface this month after House leadership unveiled a bill aimed at banning lawmakers from owning stocks that was disparaged by ethics experts. Virginia congresswoman Abigail Spanberger said it was designed to fail. This moment marks a failure of House leadershipand its yet another example of why I believe that the Democratic Party needs new leaders in the halls of Capitol Hill, as I have long made known, Spanberger said in a statement.

Im waiting and watching, Pennsylvania congresswoman Madeleine Dean said when asked about a changing of the guard within the party. Im certain there will be, at some point, a lot of change. You see already in the pipeline tremendous talent from folks who are leading us now at different levels, she said, in reference to the Democrats bench and the possibility of a new generation of leadership at the table.

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Is the End of the Nancy Pelosi Era Near? The Jockeying to Succeed Her Is in Full Force - Vanity Fair