A wave of frustration is reportedly growing within the Democratic Party over former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's post-election comments, which some members see as damaging and unhelpful to the current leadership of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The complaints came to light after Pelosi spoke candidly about her party's handling of the 2024 election and the role of President Joe Biden's late withdrawal from the race, suggesting in a recent New York Times interview that Biden's earlier exit might have yielded a different set of contenders.
One senior Democratic lawmaker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told Axios, "She needs to take a seat." Another expressed irritation, adding, "Making scattershot comments is not just unhelpful, it's damaging." While Pelosi, the first woman to serve as House Speaker, maintains significant influence and respect within the party, there is growing concern that her public remarks could undermine Jeffries' leadership and distract from the party's efforts to regroup. "Hakeem has been tremendously graceful and respectful of her, but I don't think she is being respectful of him," said a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Pelosi's reflections, which some felt stoked divisions between the Biden and Harris factions, have led to a renewed debate about her continued presence on the front lines of the party's strategy. Her comments appeared to rekindle tensions that emerged over her coordination in pushing for Biden's exit-a move that sources say was orchestrated quietly but led to strained relations with the President.
Pelosi, who helped Democrats secure three seats in New York under Jeffries' leadership, maintains that her criticism is meant to bolster-not harm-the party's prospects. "He did a masterful job in New York in this election," she said in her NYT interview, adding praise for Jeffries' work. "Speaker Pelosi is immensely proud of Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his masterful stewardship of the House Democratic Caucus," a spokesperson said, urging Democrats to commend the progress made under his leadership.
Despite public praise, behind closed doors, tensions simmer. Members from various corners of the caucus have voiced unease over Pelosi's continued role and visibility. The issue has come to a head at a particularly sensitive moment, as the party grapples with the fallout from a disappointing election cycle. Jeffries, who has taken responsibility for the outcomes, has assured members that "the buck stops with me." Nevertheless, some feel Pelosi's presence and public commentary risk muddying that accountability message.
Pelosi's tenure as Speaker solidified her legacy as one of the most powerful figures in Democratic politics, but as one member noted, "It's a difficult transition for her, not being the leader." The transition, however, is precisely what many in Jeffries' camp believe needs to happen smoothly to project unity and clarity to voters and colleagues alike. "She needs to understand what her new role is," the member said.
The division was exacerbated by the aftermath of Pelosi's comments regarding Biden's delayed withdrawal and its potential impact on the race. The fallout has reignited discussions on whether the party should have focused more decisively on bringing new voices to the forefront earlier in the campaign cycle.
While Pelosi's continued influence is undeniable, there are calls for a more measured approach moving forward. The sentiment was echoed during a recent caucus meeting where grievances were aired, and Jeffries reiterated his dedication to leading the party into a more cohesive and strategically focused future. "My advice to my fellow Democrats is simple: Follow the leader," Pelosi said last year. But now, many in her party believe it is time for her to heed her own advice.
