House Democrats have nominated Nancy Pelosi to be House Speaker once again.
Although a showdown vote is expected in January when Congress reconvenes, Pelosi was nominated in a closed-door election among Democrats on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.
WATCH: Democrats have nominated Rep. Nancy Pelosi to be speaker of the House. Full House vote is set for January 3 https://t.co/Hd26NdWzR1 pic.twitter.com/gY8k9XWNyp
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 28, 2018
The closed-door vote tally was 203 to 32, allowing her to secure the nomination today, but it won’t be enough for the final vote in January.
Pelosi, who is now 78 years old, has been the leader of House Democrats for approximately 16 years, CBS News reported.
Her nomination comes in spite of criticisms from some Democrats who said the party needs new leadership with their regained House majority. Some have even vowed to vote against her nomination.
A letter opposing Pelosi’s nomination was jointly signed by 16 Democrat members, who called for new leadership. Some of them switched their position, however.
Say hello to the next Speaker of the House, @NancyPelosi! pic.twitter.com/BvOaIxq3a7
— House Democrats (@HouseDemocrats) November 28, 2018
Pelosi’s nomination on Wednesday comes after nine Democrats changed their position and put their support behind her. The nine members previously withheld their vote over demands for changes that would permit a more transparent legislative process.
In January, Pelosi will need to overcome criticisms to secure 218 votes of the 233-seat majority that the Democrats hold – an additional 15 votes than she received Wednesday.
Nancy Pelosi won the House Democratic Caucus vote to nominate her for speaker. But she must win votes from a majority of the whole House in January to secure the position. https://t.co/UbqSYbCX5i
— HuffPost (@HuffPost) November 28, 2018
Pelosi previous held the House Speaker position during 2007-2011 when Democrats held the majority. She was the first woman to be nominated to the position, and it is considered a feat to regain such a position after losing it.
Pelosi said ahead of the vote, “It was so inspiring to hear my colleagues place my name in nomination once again.”
Earlier in November, President Donald Trump tweeted about Pelosi, saying she “deserves” and “has earned” the Democratic Party’s nomination for House Speaker.
“I can get Nancy Pelosi as many votes as she wants in order for her to be Speaker of the House,” Trump tweeted. “She deserves this victory, she has earned it – but there are those in her party who are trying to take it away. She will win!”
I can get Nancy Pelosi as many votes as she wants in order for her to be Speaker of the House. She deserves this victory, she has earned it – but there are those in her party who are trying to take it away. She will win! @TomReedCongress
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 17, 2018
Trump had tagged Rep. Tom Reed, a Republican from New York, in the tweet.
