Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA), the fifth-ranking House Democrat, renewed her calls Wednesday for a “generational change” in Democratic leadership, emphasizing that the top three House Democrats, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, and Assistant Minority Leader James Clyburn, are all “of the same generation,” in their late 70s.
“I think it’s time for that generational change,” Sanchez, 49, told reporters. “I want to be part of that transition, because I don’t intend to stay in Congress until I’m in my 70s.”
In October, Sanchez made waves by calling for House Minority Leader Pelosi to step aside.
“I do think it’s time to pass a torch to a new generation of leaders,” she saidat the time. “I want to see that happen. I think we have too many great members here that don’t always get the opportunities that they should. I would like to see that change.”
Sanchez said that she stands by that statement.
Pelosi’s spokesman Drew Hammill issued a response Wednesday, saying that Democrats should be focusing on the midterm elections.
"House Democrats are focused on winning in November and if you are rowing in the opposite direction, you are only helping Republicans," he said.
Sanchez also told reporters that she is weighing a bid for House Democratic Caucus Chair Joe Crowley’s (D-NY) fourth-ranking spot. Crowley lost his primary election in a stunning upset to Democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez last month.
“I think I’d do a good job as chair of the caucus but I am not prepared to make a decision,” she said. “I’m still talking with colleagues.”