Photo: AFP
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is running for re-election.
The 81-year-old made the announcement Tuesday that she is seeking a 19th term in office. Pelosi, who previously agreed to step down as Speaker after this election, did not mention anything about her future in Democratic party leadership during the announcement. While Pelosi looks to continue in the House, five other California Democrats have said they will not seek re-election. Democratic Representative Jim Cooper was the latest to announce his retirement from Congress, bringing the total number of Democrats retiring at the end of the term to 29. Local opposition, like Republican Kevin Kiley, are already taking to social media to discuss the legitimacy of Congressional seats remaining held for numerous years by single individuals.
Pelosi made history as the first female speaker of the House 15 years ago - she has been serving in Congress in 1987.