Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley of New York isn’t throwing his weight behind House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi for speaker should Democrats take back the House in November.
“Well, look, you know, I do think that that’ll be up to the new Congress to decide who the next leader or speaker … be,” Crowley told CBS’ “Face The Nation” Sunday. “If we win the House back, Nancy will have a very strong case for holding on to the speakership. If not, there may be other issues that come to the fore at that point. But it’s up to the next Congress, Democratic Caucus to decide that fate.”
Crowley — the fourth highest ranking Democrat in the House — was widely expected to be a frontrunner for speaker if Democrats take back the lower chamber in November. The New York representative lost his district primary in June to first time, far-left Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer and Crowley were reportedly mapping out plans to take over for Pelosi in March if her position as minority leader was no longer politically feasible. (RELATED: Democrats Look For Nancy Pelosi’s Mantle)
Ocasio-Cortez has claimed Crowley won’t concede the race and is refusing to answer her calls.
“.@repjoecrowley stated on live TV that he would absolutely support my candidacy. Instead, he’s stood me up for all 3 scheduled concession calls. Now, he’s mounting a 3rd party challenge against me and the Democratic Party- and against the will of @NYWFP,” Ocasio-Cortez tweeted July 12. (RELATED: Crowley Denies Ocasio-Cortez Claims)
Crowley immediately responded, claiming his team was unable to reach her campaign and that he isn’t mounting an opposition campaign against her.
“Alexandria, the race is over and Democrats need to come together. I’ve made my support for you clear and the fact that I’m not running. We’ve scheduled phone calls and your team has not followed through. I’d like to connect but I’m not willing to air grievances on Twitter,” Crowley tweeted.
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