WASHINGTON _ Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday beat back a challenge from seven-term Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan to retain her post as top House Democrat for the 115th Congress in a 134-63 vote.
The Democratic representatives and delegates who will serve next year cast secret ballots for minority leader during a morning caucus meeting. A third of those voting come from three states _ California, New York and Massachusetts.
Pelosi, 76, faced criticism from within the caucus after three unsuccessful attempts to retake control of the chamber and an election that stunned Democrats and gave Republicans control of the White House and both houses of Congress.
She agreed to delay what had become largely perfunctory caucus elections earlier this month after members urged against rushing a vote. That gave Ryan, 43, an opening to campaign for the role.
Ryan argued for a focused economic message and vowed to serve only one term as leader if Democrats fail to retake control of the chamber in 2018.
The last time Pelosi faced a credible challenge was in 2010, when Democrats lost their majority by surrendering 63 seats. Former Rep. Heath Shuler of North Carolina garnered 43 votes for minority leader.
The Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday also elected their minority whip, assistant leader, caucus chairman and caucus vice chairman for the 115th Congress. Caucus vice chairman was the only other contested race.
Next year's leadership team includes Joe Crowley of New York as Democratic Caucus chairman.
