Freshman California Dems back Pelosi

Newly elected California House Democrats Mike Levin and Katie Hill are backing Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for Speaker.

Levin and Hill wrote a joint letter on Thursday praising Pelosi as “bold, pragmatic and capable of swift results.”

“During this turbulent time in our nation’s history, no one is better prepared to lead a diverse Democratic Caucus,” they wrote. “We need her stability, vision and strength. Let’s unite. Let’s move forward. Let’s make change happen, together.”

.@MikeLevinCA and I agree that our ability to deliver on the promises we made to our constituents depends on leadership that is bold, pragmatic, and capable of swift results. This is why we support @NancyPelosi for Speaker and urge our fellow freshman to do the same. pic.twitter.com/MhM4Ja19oL

— Katie Hill (@KatieHill4CA) November 15, 2018 

Pelosi’s Twitter retweeted the endorsement, the first time her account had shared an endorsement from newcomers.

{mosads}Pelosi was the nation’s first female Speaker and is seeking the post again after Democrats won back the House in last week’s midterms.

But a small number of Democratic insurgents numbering about 20 is looking to block Pelosi and are seeking a challenger for the speakership. A number of newly elected lawmakers also vowed on the campaign trail not to back Pelosi.

Publicly Pelosi has expressed confidence and downplayed the threat. She said Thursday that if the vote were held today she would have enough support to win with Democratic votes.

“I have overwhelming support within my caucus to be Speaker of the House, and certainly we have many, many people in our caucus who could serve in this capacity,” she said.

“I happen to think that, at this point, I’m the best person for that.”