Aaron Martinez | El Paso Times

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso, announced Friday his support for U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan to unseat House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who has held the position since 2011 and has led the Democratic Party in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than a decade.

O’Rourke stated in a blog post that a change in leadership is needed to help “ensure that it (the Democratic Caucus) continues to meet new and evolving opportunities and challenges.”

He said that the Ohio Democrat taking over as House minority leader would help Democrats win more election races in the future and better “reflect and represent” the country.

“The best way forward for the Democratic Caucus is to ensure that we are capitalizing on the intellect, passion, talent and experience of every single member,” O’Rourke said in the posting. “I know that Tim Ryan will listen to and take from all members from every part of the country, to ensure that we incorporate their unique voices, and those of their constituents, as we chart the course ahead.”

He added, “Not only will this help us win more elections, but it will ensure that we better reflect and represent the great country we serve.”

Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press

O’Rourke thanked Pelosi, 76, of California for her leadership in the Democratic Party for more than a decade, but said change will help the party continue to grow.

“I am grateful for Nancy Pelosi’s service as House Speaker and as the Democratic leader for the last 14 years,” O’Rourke said in the post. “But I believe that for any organization to succeed, there must be change in leadership to ensure that it continues to meet new and evolving opportunities and challenges.”

{{props.notification}} {{props.tag}} {{props.expression}} {{props.linkSubscribe.text}} {{#modules.acquisition.inline}}{{/modules.acquisition.inline}} ... Our reporting. Your stories. Get unlimited digital access to exclusive content. Subscribe Now

O’Rourke, who throughout his time as a congressman has strongly supported term limits, said that long tenures prevent growth in the party.

“It’s one of the reasons that I believe in term limits, and why I support them for every member of Congress,” O’Rourke said in the post. “Limiting our term of service, even as Leader of the caucus, shows that we have faith in the ability of others to step up and serve.”

Pelosi has been a leader in the Democratic party since 2002 when she was appointed as the House Minority Whip. She was then appointed as the 52nd speaker of U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011 under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. She was named House Minority Leader in 2011.

She announced her bid to retain the House minority leader position on Nov. 16. Pelosi said that Democrats need to remain unified and focused on the progress they have made as a party.

“We must proceed with a clear vision, firm values and innovative strategy,” Pelosi said in a news release. “To be a strong voice for hard-working families and to uphold the values we cherish as Americans, House Democrats must be unified, strategic and unwavering. These qualities took us to victory in 2006 and I believe they will do so again. We must start now!”

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Ryan, who has been a representative for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District since 2013, said that a drop in the number of Democrats elected to the House of Representatives proves a change of leadership is needed.

“I have spent countless hours meeting and talking to Members of our Caucus, and the consensus is clear,” Ryan said in a letter sent to members of House Democratic Caucus. “What we are doing right now is not working. Under our current leadership, Democrats have been reduced to our smallest congressional minority since 1929. This should indicate to all of us that keeping our leadership team completely unchanged will simply lead to more disappointment in future elections.”

Ryan, 43, said that economic development and re-energizing the Democratic Party are keys to the future success for the party.

“The American people need to know we understand that they elected us to fight for economic opportunity for all. We need to create America 2.0 — a multicultural, progressive, and innovative country that fights every day for ordinary people,” Ryan said in the letter.

House Democrats are expected to vote Wednesday on the minority leader position.