House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced on Thursday that she will not seek reelection in Democrat leadership of the House of Representatives.
Rather than admitting that Republicans are set to take over the next Congress in 2023, she said her decision is motivated by her desire to pass the torch to "a new generation."
"With great confidence in our caucus, I will not seek re-election to Democratic leadership in the next Congress," Pelosi said, according to Fox News. "For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect, and I'm grateful that so many are ready and willing to shoulder this awesome responsibility."
While she is stepping down from her leadership position as the Speaker of the House, the congresswoman is not resigning from her seat.
"There is no greater special honor for me than to stand on this floor and to speak for the people of San Francisco. This I will continue to do as a member of the House speaking for the people of San Francisco, serving the great state of California and defending our Constitution," Pelosi added, Fox News reported.
The announcement has been celebrated by conservatives who have wished to see her step down sooner. As the GOP takes control of the House in January, California Rep. Kevin McCarthy was nominated to lead the House GOP this week.
NPR reported that the California congressman was nominated by 188 – 31.
Although some midterm elections have yet to be called, Republicans will hold a slim majority of at least 218 seats.