Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is facing what some perceive as another setback for her congregational authority.
According to a report by Conservative Brief on Monday, November 27, 2023, a close ally and fellow California Democrat, Rep. Anna Eshoo, has announced her retirement after her current term ends in January 2025.
Eshoo, 80, who represents Silicon Valley, is stepping down after nearly three decades in Washington, D.C
As the initial female and Democratic representative of our district, Eshoo expressed pride in her bipartisan accomplishments in Congress, stating in a social media video, “As I near the end of my time in Congress, I remain dedicated to serving you with unwavering commitment and energy.”
“As the first woman and the first Democrat to ever represent our district, I’m very proud of the body of bipartisan work I’ve been able to achieve on your behalf in Congress,” Eshoo said in a video she posted to social media. “As my last year in Congress approaches, I will continue my work with vigor and unswerving commitment to you.
Eshoo shared details of a breakfast she had with Pelosi on the X platform, where she discussed the future of the Democratic Party. Eshoo believes that her departure, along with Pelosi’s eventual exit, will lead to a shift in power towards a more left-wing faction within the party.
Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), 73, has announced her retirement, leading Politico to report that she is the second longtime ally of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi to depart Congress
Additionally, Rep. Tony Cárdenas, a fellow California Democrat, has also declared that he won’t be returning to Congress after a decade in the House, as reported by Roll Call.
In total, 31 current lawmakers – including 21 Democrats and 10 Republicans – have stated they won’t be running for reelection this cycle.
“Both Eshoo and Cárdenas represent seats in solidly Democratic districts. But Eshoo’s retirement will also prompt a race to replace her as head of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Md., and Cardenas were next in line and are both retiring,” Roll Call reported
Earlier this month, Pelosi expressed her dissatisfaction with the prospect of a significant third-party movement influencing the 2024 presidential election.
She made these remarks at a breakfast hosted by Third Way, a Democratic-centrist organization that has emerged as one of No Labels’ main adversaries this election cycle.
Pelosi criticized No Labels, stating, “No Labels is perilous to our democracy. I hesitate to say No Labels because they do have labels. They’re called no taxes for the rich. No child tax credit for children. They’re called let’s undo the Affordable Care Act”
The organization No Labels has gained access to the ballot in twelve states for the November 2024 election. However, the far-left group MoveOn has raised concerns about No Labels’ status as a “dark money” organization.
Speaker Pelosi has stated that she previously disregarded No Labels, despite the organization targeting her while she was House Speaker. She also mentioned that the 2024 election will be different.
