Congressional Democrats are sweating at the possibility that the coronavirus could cost Nancy Pelosi’s job.
The party faces a much narrower majority next year and some members fear that a coronavirus outbreak that hit Democrats disproportionately could topple his expected re-election as mayor.
“Let’s just say, theoretically, that we had six or eight people in COVID and no Republicans. They could probably elect [Kevin] McCarthy, ”Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) Told The Hill, talking about the current leader of the Republican House.
Making sure your caucus appears is also only half the battle. During her last campaign for mayor two years ago, she triumphed even though 15 members of her own party voted against her. She won’t have that margin of error this time.
At least three Democrats, Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania, Jared Golden of Maine and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan have said they intend to oppose Pelosi’s re-election to the speaker seat.
Washington, DC, was not spared as the coronavirus continues to spread across the country. Just this week, five new members of the House tested positive for the deadly virus – bringing the total number of lawmakers with confirmed infections to 35.
“There are the usual suspects who are part of your brand voting against it,” Connecticut Democrat Jim Himes added to the newspaper. “But I think there is an awareness – and there is certainly a message from within the caucus – that this may not be a year for the usual brand.”