Pelosi expresses confidence ahead of Speakership vote

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) expressed confidence Sunday that the vote for Speaker later in the day would demonstrate unity among House Democrats and result in her reelection.

“I am enormously grateful for the trust that Members have placed in me,” Pelosi said in a letter to her caucus on Sunday.

“I am confident that the Speaker’s election today will show a united Democratic Caucus ready to meet the challenges ahead, and that we are prepared to set our country on a new course, starting with the Electoral College meeting on Wednesday,” she added.

New Pelosi letter this am:

“I am confident that the Speaker’s election today will show a united Democratic Caucus ready to meet the challenges ahead, and that we are prepared to set our country on a new course, starting with the Electoral College meeting on Wednesday.” pic.twitter.com/9D4538EmJh

— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) January 3, 2021

While Pelosi is likely to retain the Speakership following the Sunday vote, a smaller Democratic majority in the House and the sidelining of some of her allies due to the coronavirus may complicate her path to victory.

Pelosi was able to win the Speakership in 2019 despite a revolt from 15 centrist Democrats, but she must lose no more than five Democratic votes this year to secure the required 217-vote simple majority. While some of the 2019 faction have since lost their seats, at least three who were reelected are not expected to back her Sunday.

Pelosi told reporters in the Capitol she was “fine” in terms of the necessary support in December, but reportedly said on a caucus call last week that the virus represented a major obstacle.