Leading Democrats in the House of Representatives are saying Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is not a lock to return to the House speaker role if the party wins back the House in the 2018 midterm elections, Axios reported.
Some Democrats believe a younger, less divisive Democrat will be her replacement. Possible candidates for the job include Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., and Rep. Adam Schiff, a fellow California Democrat with a high profile as the leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, the report said.
Crowley is the likely choice because all the Democratic factions accept him, Axios reported. "He's the fresh face that the majority of the caucus yearns for … he's a spring chicken by congressional standards, at 55 years old," a Democrat told Axios.
Pelosi's No. 2 in Democratic House leadership is Steny Hoyer, who wants the leadership position. At 78, Hoyer is three months older than Pelosi, Axios noted.
One Democratic source told Axios that Pelosi is no longer "retributional," but her allies say she has always been inclusive of diversity among Democrats, including newer members.
The congresswoman is the Democrats' most consistent fundraiser, Axios reported.
One Pelosi ally said that Pelosi could win the caucus' vote for speaker, but then lose the floor vote to a Republican leader. "She would never let that happen, and she would bow out to someone else," the ally said to Axios.
"She'll know this scenario well in advance, and will figure out a way to bow out to someone else," the ally added.
Republicans continue to use Pelosi in campaigns; the party attempted to tie Pennsylvania Democrat Conor Lamb to Pelosi in that state's Tuesday special election. Lamb said he would not support Pelosi remaining in a leadership position.
"If you say you're not going to vote for her, it actually helps you because you look independent, which is very powerful in this environment," a Democratic lawmaker said in Politico.
Taking on Pelosi could help Democrats, Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, said in Politico.
"Running against Nancy Pelosi is going to help you a lot more than running with her," Vela said.
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