Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), a veteran in the House who is well-liked in the caucus and has a proven ability to foster relationships on the campaign trail and back in D.C., would never challenge House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for the speaker’s gavel.
But, per a Thursday Politico report, he would make a bid for it if Pelosi does not secure enough votes to become speaker should Democrats win the House next month.
Hoyer reportedly does not expect Pelosi to run into trouble winning the post, and would be more than happy to retake his old job of House majority leader.
He’s been a boon for the party, raising $9 million for Democrats (second only to Pelosi), traveling to 94 congressional districts (he’s 79 years old) and rallying voters in red states where Pelosi has been turned into a pariah.
Hoyer has also managed to retain his colleagues’ good will and support, despite the push to diversify Democratic leadership with an influx of younger representatives, many women and people of color.
