O’Rourke disappointed Rep. Tim Ryan failed to unseat Pelosi as Dems’ leader

Congressman Beto O’Rourke said Wednesday he is disappointed Congressman Tim Ryan “did not prevail” in his effort to unseat Rep. Nancy Pelosi as the Democratic leader in the U.S. House.

House Democrats re-elected Nancy Pelosi as their leader. The secret ballot vote was 134-63, the Associated Press reports.

“We need change in the Democratic caucus. So it us now up to me and others who want that change to find other ways to address the historic opportunities and challenges our country now faces,” O’Rourke said Wednesday.

Last week, El Paso’s congressman posted social media messages supporting Rep. Ryan, (D) Ohio, for House Minority Leader.

“The best way forward for the Democratic Caucus is to ensure we are capitalizing on the intellect, passion, talent and experience of every single member,” O’Rourke said at the time. “I know Tim Ryan will listen to and take from all members from every part of the country, to ensure that we incorporate their unique voices, and those of their constituents, as we chart the course ahead.”

Ryan challenged Pelosi for her position as top House Democrat by proposing to give more influence to junior lawmakers atop congressional committees and within her leadership team.

Pelosi, 76, has been the chamber’s Democratic leader since 2002. The challenge to her leadership came in the aftermath of devastating election results for Democrats.

Republicans are on track to hold at least 240 seats in the House next year. Democrats, who had high hopes of significant gains in the election, picked up just six seats on Election Day earlier this month and remain in the minority with 194 seats.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.