Democrat votes ‘no’ on Speaker before reversing course

Freshman Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s (D-N.J.) first vote for Speaker was changed to “present” after the chair ruled he couldn’t vote “no” on the floor on Thursday.

Van Drew was one of the 15 Democrats who opted not to support Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for the most powerful position in the House.

{mosads}While most members traditionally vote for a person, Van Drew took an unprecedented route, shouting “no” during the roll call vote.

The New Jersey Democrat had vowed to buck his party and vote against Pelosi during his House campaign.

After making a number of deals with potential detractors, Pelosi ultimately secured the Speaker’s gavel, bringing in 220 votes from within her caucus.

The California Democrat made history, becoming the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House twice.