The announcement came hours after Republicans regained control of the House with incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Garcia’s victory over Democrat Christy Smith in California’s 27th Congressional District. “Speaker Pelosi has been inundated with calls from colleagues, friends and supporters,” Pelosi’s deputy chief of staff, Drew Hamill, said in a tweet Wednesday night. “This afternoon, the President watched the returns in the three remaining critical situations. The President plans to address her future plans to her colleagues tomorrow. Stay tuned.” On Sunday, Pelosi said she wouldn’t take questions about what’s next until all the races are called. Several races are still up in the air, but Republicans reached the 218-seat threshold for a House majority with Garcia’s victory. @SpeakerPelosi has been inundated with calls from colleagues, friends and supporters. This afternoon, the President watched the returns in the three remaining critical situations. The President plans to address her future plans to her colleagues tomorrow. Stay tuned. — Drew Hammill (@Drew_Hammill) November 17, 2022 Rumors swirled that the 82-year-old speaker might step down if Democrats lost control of the chamber — passing the torch to a new generation of Democratic leadership. Earlier this month, Pelosi said the violent hammer attack against her husband Paul Pelosi influenced her decision on whether to retire after the midterm elections. If Pelosi steps down from her leadership duties, Representative Hakeem Jeffries is being considered for the minority leader role. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-Brooklyn, is seen as a possible successor to Pelosi as party leader if she decides to announce her retirement. Jeffries, 52, who lives in Prospect Heights and represents parts of Brooklyn and Queens, is the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. The fifth-term lawmaker is generally popular among colleagues, except on the far left wing of the party, political insiders told The Post. He would have to defeat Rep. Adam Schiff of California – who is said to be in the running for the leadership role.
