WASHINGTON — Nancy Pelosi will continue to lead Democrats in the House of Representatives.
The liberal California congresswoman was able to beat back a challenge from the heartland’s Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) to maintain her top spot in congressional leadership.
Although Ryan received a surprisingly high 63 votes, he proved no match for Pelosi, who was supported by 134 of her Democratic colleagues.
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.), a Pelosi supporter, said she shouldn’t be blamed for
the poor Democratic showing this year — which he attributed to Hillary Clinton’s leading the ticket.
“The fact of the matter is many red-to-blue candidates were undone by the top of the ticket,” said Pascrell.
Republicans will hold a 241-194 advantage in the House after Democrats picked up just six seats.
Ryan, who won the backing of many younger members, warned that the party was not connecting to blue-collar voters, such as the ones in his state who voted for Donald Trump.
Pelosi, 76, has served as Democratic leader for more than a dozen years.
Sean Spicer, spokesman for the Republican National Committee, tweeted that the GOP is delighted to have Pelosi still at the helm directing Democrats.
“Thank you House Dems– we appreciate you keeping@NancyPelosi as your leader!” he wrote.
“Actually the real winner is @RNCC [Republican National Campaign Committee].”