House Democrats Choose Nancy Pelosi To Lead Them

WASHINGTON, DC — House Democrats have chosen Nancy Pelosi to lead them in the new Congress, though she still faces a showdown vote for House speaker once lawmakers convene in January. Pelosi ran unopposed as the nominee for speaker in a closed-door Democratic caucus election Wednesday amid unrest from those clamoring for new leadership.

Pelosi, a California Democrat, faces tougher math in January. She'll need 218 votes, the majority of the full House, to be elected. House Democrats are taking control with at least a 233-vote majority, but some Democrats have pledged that they won't back Pelosi for speaker.

Pelosi was the first woman to be speaker — back when Democrats had the House majority from 2007 to 2011. It's rare to reclaim that post after losing it.

Photo credit: J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press