In what is seen by some as a potential setback for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s authority and sway within the House, a longtime ally and fellow California Democrat has declared her retirement. Representative Anna Eshoo, who represents Silicon Valley, is stepping down at the age of 80, concluding her service after nearly three decades in Washington, D.C.
“As the first woman and the first Democrat to ever represent our district, I’m very proud of the body of bipartisan work I’ve been able to achieve on your behalf in Congress,” Eshoo said in a video she posted to social media. “As my last year in Congress approaches, I will continue my work with vigor and unswerving commitment to you.”
In a post on the X platform, Eshoo highlighted a recent breakfast she had with Pelosi during a California event. However, Eshoo’s departure, along with the anticipated exit of Pelosi in the near future, symbolizes a shift toward reduced influence within the Democratic Party. A newer, more left-wing faction is gaining prominence.
The retirement of Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), 73, adds to this trend, leading Politico to note that Eshoo is now “the second longtime ally of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi to depart Congress.” Additionally, another California Democrat, Rep. Tony Cárdenas, has declared he won’t seek re-election after a decade in the House, as reported by Roll Call. In total, 31 current lawmakers, including 21 Democrats and 10 Republicans, have announced they won’t run for re-election in this cycle.
“Both Eshoo and Cárdenas represent seats in solidly Democratic districts. But Eshoo’s retirement will also prompt a race to replace her as head of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Md., and Cardenas were next in line and are both retiring,” Roll Call reported.
Pelosi had just recently announces how terrified she was of a 3rd party shaking up te race.
“No Labels is perilous to our democracy. I hesitate to say No Labels because they do have labels. They’re called no taxes for the rich. No child tax credit for children. They’re called let’s undo the Affordable Care Act,” the former House speaker told reporters.
Pelosi delivered her remarks during a breakfast organized by Third Way, a centrist Democratic group that has become a key opponent of No Labels in the current election cycle.
No Labels has secured ballot access in twelve states for the November 2024 election. MoveOn, a far-left organization, has urged state secretaries to investigate No Labels’ potential classification as a dark money organization.
Pelosi asserted that she had previously dismissed No Labels, despite the organization targeting her during her tenure as House Speaker. However, she suggested that the dynamics might change in the 2024 election.
“When they jeopardize the reelection of Joe Biden as president of the United States, I can no longer remain silent on that,” she said.
The former Maryland governor called it “disheartening to see Nancy Pelosi literally make things up about No Labels to score political points” in a statement.
The nonprofit is seeking permission to participate in the national ballot with the goal of forming a unity ticket led by a Republican and a Democrat. The organization has not revealed the individuals who would head such a ticket, as it is currently structured as a nonprofit with exemptions from donor disclosure obligations.
As outlined in the latest No Labels memo, there is an unprecedented demand for an independent or third-party candidate in this election cycle. This is attributed in part to the relatively low favorability ratings of both former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, who are the leading candidates for the major parties.