O’Rourke supports Rep. Tim Ryan for House Minority Leader

Rep. Beto O’Rourke, (D) Texas District 16, is supporting Rep. Tim Ryan, (D) Ohio, for House Minority Leader.

In a message posted on his social media accounts, O’Rourke stated, “The best way forward for the Democratic Caucus is to ensure that we are capitalizing on the intellect, passion, talent and experience of every single member. I know that 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.”

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, (D) California, is responding to a challenge to 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. She is being challenged by Ryan in the aftermath of elections that were disappointing for Democrats who expected Hillary Clinton to be elected president and their party to make sizable gains in the House.

Pelosi appears to be addressing widespread unease among more junior lawmakers who say that opportunities to advance and influence the party’s course are lacking so long as the same senior Democrats remain in charge.

“I am grateful for Nancy Pelosi’s service as House Speaker and as the Democratic leader for the last 14 years. But I believe that for any organization to succeed, there must be change in leadership to ensure that it continues to meet new and evolving opportunities and challenges,” O’Rourke said, “It’s one of the reasons that I believe in term limits, and why I support them for every member of Congress. Limiting our term of service, even as Leader of the caucus, shows that we have faith in the ability of others to step up and serve.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.