Congress

Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan Wants To Challenge Nancy Pelosi For Minority Leader

Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan says he's challenging Nancy Pelosi's leadership in the wake of another underwhelming House election.

Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan Wants To Challenge Nancy Pelosi For Minority Leader
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California Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi now has an official challenger for her role as House minority leader — Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan.

Ryan's been in the House since 2003, though he's never held a leadership position. He pointed to the Democrats' dramatic losses in the House as evidence that things need to change.

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Ryan told CNN: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and you keep getting the same results. So time to move on, I think."

It'll be tough to oust Pelosi — the minority leader has built up a loyal support base during her 14-year tenure as caucus leader. 

"Without even asking anybody for a vote, I have over two-thirds of the caucus supporting me," Pelosi told reporters.

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But Ryan's candidacy could lead to a historic first; if he's elected, both of the senior party members in the House will have the last name Ryan.