‘Overwhelming support’ for Pelosi

Rep. Nancy Pelosi said she is backed by Democrats to become the next speaker of the House.

WASHINGTON — Rep. Nancy Pelosi said Thursday she has “overwhelming support” from House Democrats to become the next speaker of the House. Asked if sexism might block her second act, she shot back that’s a question for the mostly male lawmakers signing a letter against her.

A group of 17 Democrats led by Rep. Seth Moulton D-Mass., have pledged to vote against Pelosi’s return as the first female speaker of the House. The list includes a dozen incumbents and five newcomers, including two Democrats whose races have not yet been decided. It includes just three women.

The 78-year-old Californian was bombarded with questions Thursday as Democrats — who took control of the House with their biggest midterm victories since Watergate — prepared to huddle privately with new members and begin sorting out the leadership battle.

One letter-signer, Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, has said that other lawmakers are urging her to run. She’s an ally of Ohio Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan, who challenged Pelosi two years ago. Pelosi has faced challenges before but this one — fueled by incumbents who feel shut out of leadership and newcomers calling for changes at the top — poses the biggest threat yet.

But Pelosi also acknowledges the discomfort some lawmakers face because she’s the GOP’s favorite election-year villain. Some 137,000 ads were run against her this election cycle, she said. “It makes it hard on the candidates,” she conceded.

Pointing to Democrats’ midterm success, she added, “Obviously those ads didn’t work.”