Newly elected and returning Democrats will meet privately after Thanksgiving to sort it out, and the vote-counting to succeed retiring Republican Speaker Paul Ryan could get complex for Pelosi if alternative candidates mount an unexpectedly serious challenge. No viable challenger has emerged.
Votes Needed
When the full House convenes Jan. 3 for the speaker vote, Pelosi will need at least 218 Democrats’ support, assuming all 435 members participate and all Republicans vote against her.
Freshmen Democrats don’t have the numbers to elect one of their own -- which would be a unlikely political occurrence.
New Jersey Democrat Mikie Sherrill, who during the campaign said she wouldn’t back Pelosi for speaker, told reporters after winning a seat previously held by a Republican, that she is "excited to see who comes forward." She also declined to back any specific other candidate.
"Part of the problem is we have no bench," says Representative Gerald Connolly of Virginia.
"I am not being negative about anyone. What I mean is the bench has sort of emptied out," Connolly said in reference to former House Democrats who waited for Pelosi to step aside but eventually moved on to other elected offices, lost elections or left politics.
A big advantage for Pelosi is that the current No. 2 and No. 3 House Democrats, Steny Hoyer of Maryland and James Clyburn of South Carolina, are also in their late 70s. Hoyer, who in particular has coveted the top spot, is running instead for majority leader.
California Lawmakers
Pelosi also has the luxury of built-in support from the large California Democratic delegation and broad backing from other returning House members, many of whom have benefited from her massive fundraising over the years.