In a strange turn of events former Speaker Nancy Pelosi is actually missed by some Republicans despite years of vilifying her when she served in the House’s top role.
It seems Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who would become the next speaker if Democrats take control of the House after November, isn’t “the reliable boogeyman” that Pelosi once was among voters, according to a report from Axios.
“He’s not shown that type of lightning rod negativity,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer told the website, which means it’s harder to stir outrage and support among constituents. Republicans running for reelection are instead focusing on President Joe Biden, per the report.
First elected to Congress in 1987, Pelosi made history becoming the first female speaker in 2007, and in 2019 she regained the speaker’s gavel.
Pelosi led the party through substantial legislative achievements, including passage of the Affordable Care Act, as well as turbulent times with two impeachments of Republican President Donald Trump and the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
She stepped away from the day-to-day political limelight after a younger generation of Democrats led by Jeffries took charge in 2023, but she remains a political force and keeps a robust schedule of public and private events.
Pelosi announced late last year she plans to seek reelection in November.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Stories by Matt Arco
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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.