Top House Democrats Join Pelosi in Leaving Leadership Roles, Point to Likely Successor

The number 2 Democrat in the House of Representatives on Nov. 17 announced he will be leaving the leadership shortly after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she would not seek another term as a Democrat leader, while the number 3 Democrat also indicated he will step down.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said in a letter to colleagues that he will not seek a leadership position in the next Congress after Republicans flipped the lower chamber.

“Like my dear friend, John Lewis, I believe God’s work for us is to create that ‘beloved community’ for which John worked so consistently and courageously. I believe there is much for me still to do in pursuit of that endeavor,” Hoyer said, referring to late Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.). “I believe that it is time for me, however, to continue my service in a different role. Therefore, I have decided not to seek elected leadership in the 118th Congress.”

Pelosi, 82, and Hoyer, 83, have been in power together for nearly two decades.

Pelosi started as the number 2 Democrat in 2002, and Hoyer became her top deputy the following year when she assumed the highest post in the caucus.

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), 82, has been with them since 2007.

Clyburn in a statement indicated that he will also not seek another term in leadership.

“Speaker Pelosi has left an indelible mark on Congress and the country, and I look forward to her continued service and doing whatever I can to assist our new generation of Democratic Leaders which I hope to be Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar.”

Hoyer said he was strongly endorsing Jeffries for the top Democrat.

Jeffries (D-N.Y.), 52, has long been rumored to be angling to succeed Pelosi as the top Democrat in the House. Jeffries is currently the Democratic Caucus chairman.

His office did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Clark (D-Mass.), 59, is the assistant speaker. Aguilar (D-Calif.), 43, is the Democratic Caucus vice chair.

Jeffries, Clark, and Aguilar in statements Thursday praised Pelosi and did not comment on the upcoming Democrat leadership vote, which is set for Nov. 30.