With Democrats forecast to keep the majority in the House of Representative, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that she would seek the speakership again in the next session, Politico reports.

Democrats lost at least a net of five seats in the election which saw record turnout, leading to potential pushback against having the 80-year-old Californian leading the caucus.  However, Pelosi has shown a remarkable ability to maintain discipline within Democrats, including during negotiations for a second coronavirus relief bill.

“Our vision for the next two years must be built on the success of Democratic House Majority in the 116th Congress, and to harness the extraordinary visions, values and vibrancy of our Caucus to secure the progress that the American people deserve,” Pelosi wrote to her Democratic colleagues. 

“In that spirit, I am writing to request your support to be re-elected as Speaker,” Pelosi continued.  “I do so with utmost respect for the diverse viewpoints in our Democratic Caucus, the gravity of this role the urgency of the challenges ahead. I also do so with the great joy and appreciation to so many of you who have already offered your support.”

Overall, Pelosi is expected to win the speakership.  It’s speculated that Pelosi may announce that this will be her last term in the House because she’s said she wants to transition House leadership to the next generation of Democrats.

81-year-old House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland also is expected to remain in his role, as is the third-ranked Democrat in the House, 80-year-old Majority Whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina.