As was rumored earlier in the week, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) announced Thursday afternoon that he will challenge House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for the top Democratic leadership post.
“Vote for me and I will dedicate all of my energy to lead us back into the majority. Our constituents deserve nothing less,” Ryan wrote.
Ryan’s challenge is the first Pelosi has faced since 2010. She has predicted she will be able to hold off any and all challengers, primarily on the strength of her fundraising for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee—she’s raised nearly $600 million for fellow House Democrats over years.
The potential leadership ranks within the Democratic Party overall are remarkably thin. And the collective age of the current Democratic Conference leadership reflects that fact. Pelosi is 76, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) is 77, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) is 58 and Vice-Chairman Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) is 54.
Crowley is also being urged to run against Pelosi.
