The letter supporting House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer highlights his role as a surrogate and fundraiser during the 2018 cycle and his mentorship of young members and members-elect. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Congress 155 Democrats back Hoyer’s bid for majority leader

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer has locked up the votes to become majority leader in the next Congress.

Despite calls for new leadership, Hoyer has faced the least resistance among House Democrats’ big three. He has the support of at least two-thirds of the incoming Democratic Caucus, according to a letter obtained by POLITICO.


Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is up against a faction of Democrats trying to deprive her of the 218 votes she needs to reclaim the speaker’s gavel. And Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (D-S.C.) is facing a challenge from Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) for majority whip, although Clyburn is favored to win.

But Hoyer, who only needs to win a majority of the caucus to become majority leader, is already set, with more than two weeks to spare before House Democrats hold their Nov. 28 leadership elections.

“In the majority, we will have considerable opportunity to effect change and great responsibility to get things done on behalf of our constituents. We will need a steady, experienced leader over the next two years, who also works to empower our members and prepare them for future leadership opportunities,” more than 150 incumbents and members-elect wrote Tuesday in a “Dear Colleague” letter.

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“We will need someone who will hold President Trump, his administration, and congressional Republicans accountable — while still being able to work effectively in a divided government to get legislation passed,” they said. “It is for these reasons that we believe that Steny is the person we need as majority leader.”

The signatories run the gamut from dozens of progressive Democrats to Blue Dog Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.), highlighting Hoyer’s broad support within the caucus. The list includes 31 incoming freshmen, 32 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, 21 members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and younger members such as 37-year-old Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and 38-year-old Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-Mass.).

The letter highlights Hoyer’s role as a surrogate and fundraiser during the 2018 cycle — unlike Pelosi, Hoyer could campaign for candidates in red districts — and his mentorship of young members and members-elect.

Signatories credit Hoyer for giving others leadership opportunities, noting that half of his whip team comprises members who have served three terms or less, and for including members in negotiations. Hoyer “is an honest broker” who “is trusted by everyone in our Caucus,” they said, and “Steny also has a clear vision for the agenda House Democrats should pursue.”

“Importantly, Steny will effectively go toe-to-toe with President Trump, advocating for our positions and ensuring vigorous oversight of this administration,” they conclude. “Steny is an innovative leader with unwavering integrity who empowers members and gets things done. We believe that under his leadership, we will be well-positioned for further success in 2020.”