Heather Caygle
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is backing Nancy Pelosi ahead of Wednesday’s Democratic leadership elections, the group announced in a letter on Tuesday November 29th.
The group’s support comes as Pelosi heads into the first real test to her leadership since 2010 as Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan challenges her for the top spot.
“Now, more than ever, we need experienced leadership that understands how to fight against attempts to unravel eight years of progress, roll back civil rights protections, and implement new policies that will harm our nation,” the members wrote in a letter signed by a majority of the CHC.
“For these reasons, we strongly support Leader Pelosi in the upcoming Democratic leadership elections and urge you to stand with us.”
Twenty-one members of the CHC, including the group’s chair Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), signed the letter. A handful of CHC members are not listed as signatories but it’s unclear where they stand in support of the long-time Democratic leader.
Sánchez is running against Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) for the open caucus vice-chair position. Pelosi hasn’t endorsed in that race.
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is the only member of the CHC to endorse Pelosi’s challenger so far.
“You’re seeing members moving to Tim Ryan and in general, just [moving] for change and accountability within the caucus. You’re seeing that on all avenues,” Gallego said in an interview on Tuesday November 29th.
Ryan, who isn’t expected to win, has only been backed by 10 of his colleagues to date.
The CHC endorsement comes as Pelosi’s relationship with another important group, the Congressional Black Caucus, is being tested.
Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), who’s running to lead the CBC, circulated a memo last week highlighting caucus concerns with some of Pelosi’s proposed leadership changes.
