Democratic California Rep. Nancy Pelosi won reelection as House Minority Leader Wednesday, against challenger Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan. Republican lawmakers and party officials rejoiced at the Democrats’ decision.
Pelosi has occupied her position for 13 years. She has come to represent the face of the Democrats, who have to reckon with accusations that they are out of touch with working class voters. The California representative has led her party through a number of devastating elections in recent history – the 2010 and 2014 midterms, as well as the most recent presidential election.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) released a mocking “endorsement” of Nancy Pelosi on their website on November 17. They pledged to offer their “full support” to the congresswoman who handed the GOP Party the “largest Republican majority since the 1920s.”
USA Today reports that Katie Martin, NRCC communications director, stated that “Under Pelosi’s leadership, House Democrats have become completely irrelevant.”
Republicans on Twitter, including Trump allies, showed their jubilation at Pelosi’s reelection.
Congrats @NancyPelosi! There's no one we would rather have leading @HouseDemocrats! #StandWithNancy #ThanksHouseDems pic.twitter.com/ZKqEmGHXsr
— NRCC (@NRCC) November 30, 2016
What a relief. I was worried they had learned from the elections & might be competitive and cohesive again. https://t.co/cvwi0IxLdU
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) November 30, 2016
Democrats missed opportunity 2 step away from massive electoral losses (60 seats in House, WH, 1000+ state legislators) & connect w/ workers https://t.co/cvwi0IxLdU
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) November 30, 2016
I think there was some voter fraud in Pelosi's leadership election. Someone let Reince Priebus vote 134 times.
— Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) November 30, 2016