Clark is part of a semi-formal group running together for the top three House Democratic seats to replace Pelosi and her current members, lawmakers in their 80s who announced they were leaving Thursday to make room for a new generation of leaders as the party moves into the minority next year. Get into politics today A roundup of the top political stories from Aquarius, delivered to your inbox Monday-Friday. New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, 52, is expected to seek the top job, which will be minority leader as the president takes on Republicans. Clark is running to be the House Minority Whip. And California Rep. Pete Aguilar, 43, is expected to seek the No. 3 slot. No opposition has been announced to the trio, who are expected to be in place when House Democrats hold their leadership election at the end of the month . While the three haven’t officially run for office, they’ve worked together as lawmakers right behind the octogenarians at the top of the House Democratic leadership and have steadily garnered the support of their colleagues to step up in tandem. As lawmakers awaited the end of Pelosi’s two-decade reign, in part because of a vague pledge four years ago to step down this year, Clark and her de facto teammates have been quietly maneuvering to be in position to step up when the opportunity arises. Clark’s House Democratic colleagues credit her as a skilled behind-the-scenes politician who knows the value of building relationships. Many call her a friend, describing Clark as warm and devoted, even as they note her political toughness. He was first elected to the Democratic leadership in 2018 in a contested race against Aguilar for the party’s vice chairmanship. In that role and as assistant speaker, which she rose to in 2020, Clark was closely involved in working with House Democrats, particularly younger members, a task that earned her a lot of goodwill. While she is clearly a progressive, moderate lawmakers say she has been adept at balancing her views with the need to include members of all political persuasions in the party, especially in the narrow majority that Democrats have faced over the past two years. Clarke has also been a prolific campaigner and fundraiser, traits seen as a requirement of party leadership. According to her campaign, Clark traveled to at least 17 states to win over other lawmakers this election cycle and raised more than $12 million for Democrats. Representative Richard Neal, R-Springfield, who has served in Congress for decades and has been a close ally of Pelosi, said Clark had the talent to be a strong leader herself. “She’s going to be incredibly successful,” he predicted Thursday. Clark on Friday stressed the need for Democrats to be united to face House Republicans, who will have a slim majority after midterm elections that fell short of expectations for a red wave. “Americans have rejected Republican extremism and reaffirmed our commitment to working people. “Standing with women, for democracy and for the economic security of all, we defied expectations and secured a historically narrow margin in the House,” she wrote to her colleagues. “Now, we must be tough, flexible and united to stop the dangerous agenda of the House Republican majority and take back the House,” he continued. “I’m ready to lead this critical work as our next Democratic Whip, and I’m asking for your support.” Jim Puzzanghera can be reached at [email protected] Follow him on Twitter: @JimPuzzanghera. Tal Kopan can be reached at [email protected] Follow her on Twitter @talkopan.
