Rep. Marcia Fudge Takes Name Out Of Running For Next House Speaker

The only Democratic lawmaker to openly discuss taking on Nancy Pelosi for House Speaker, has now publicly endorsed her. Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio said in a statement on Tuesday that she was joining colleagues “in support of the leadership team of Pelosi, Hoyer, and Clyburn.” The latter are running to hold on to the number 2 and 3 Democratic spots in Congress.

In tandem with Fudge’s endorsement comes an opportunity to serve as the chair of the House Administration subcommittee that oversees elections, a delegation Pelosi vowed on reviving if she returns as Speaker.  

“My consideration was due in large part to the lack of sustained efforts that ensure diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of the House,” Fudge said regarding her decision. “I am now confident that we will move forward together and that the 116th Congress will be a Congress of which we can all be proud.”

Fudge also added that Pelosi assured her that “the most loyal voting bloc in the Democratic party, Black women, will have a seat at the decision-making table.”

With Fudge out of the running, House Democrats in opposition of Pelosi maintaining the gavel, are left with no real challenger for the 78-year-old incumbent. A decision for the nominee must come next week with a final vote to happen in January.

According to CNN, 16 House Democrats have signed off on a letter calling for new leadership. Several more have made verbal commitments to oppose Pelosi. With the recent news of Fudge’s decision, it still remains to be seen if the #NeverPelosi resistance has the steam to move forward.