Ohio Democrat Rep. Tim Ryan, who is challenging Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi for her leadership post, picked up a third endorsement Wednesday — this time Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee.
Cooper, a moderate Democrat, announced his support of the long-shot candidate on social media, applauding Ryan’s decision to take a shot at Pelosi.
“We need @RepTimRyan’s vision to lead House Democrats. I applaud him for his courage to run!” he tweeted.
We need @RepTimRyan‘s vision to lead House Democrats. I applaud him for his courage to run! pic.twitter.com/l4CYppVK6X
— Jim Cooper (@repjimcooper) November 23, 2016
This is not the first time Cooper has opted against supporting Pelosi, having voted for former North Carolina Rep. Heath Shuler and former Secretary of State Colin Powell in past.
Reps. Kathleen Rice of New York and Ed Perlmutter of Colorado have also endorsed Ryan, citing the party’s devastating loss on Nov. 8 as a sign the party needs fresh blood.
House Democrats encouraged Pelosi to push leadership elections back to Nov. 30, saying members need time to reflect on where they went wrong.
Ryan argued the party will continue to deteriorate if it continues down the same road, noting in his formal announcement the “have been reduced to our smallest congressional minority since 1929.”
Pelosi told Politico she has no plans to step aside anytime soon, and expects President-elect Donald Trump’s administration to spark a resurgence of her party.
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