Pelosi Back In D.C.?
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has announced she is on her way back to Washington, D.C., after recovering from hip replacement surgery in Germany. Pelosi, who is 84 years old, had been hospitalized in Luxembourg after a fall last month while traveling with a group of lawmakers to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. Following the injury, she was transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where her surgery was reportedly successful, according to her spokesperson.
In a video posted on social media, Pelosi expressed her gratitude to the people of San Francisco for the opportunity to continue representing them in Congress. “I’m honored to return to Washington to share our San Francisco values and serve the people who have trusted me with this responsibility,” Pelosi said. “Thank you for giving me that honor.”
Pelosi’s return comes at a critical time, as House Democrats are expected to gather on Capitol Hill for the upcoming vote to select the next Speaker of the House. The Democratic Party, which has held a unified position in recent weeks, will be crucial in determining whether Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) can retain his position. The GOP’s narrow majority has raised concerns about defections within the Republican Party, particularly with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) signaling he will vote against Johnson. This would make it even more critical for every Democratic vote to be counted in favor of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), as the math for Johnson’s re-election as Speaker is becoming more complicated with each passing day.
In a scenario where all Democrats vote as a bloc, and just one Republican defects, Johnson’s path to the Speakership would be at risk. Conversely, if one Democratic member is absent, Johnson could afford to lose two Republican votes and still secure the gavel.
With the political stakes high, Pelosi’s return underscores the ongoing intensity of the battle for control in the House of Representatives. Her leadership and the Democratic Party’s unified front may play a pivotal role in determining the future of the lower chamber’s leadership.
