Washington (CNN) Rep. Marcia Fudge -- an Ohio Democrat who had been weighing a potential run for House speaker -- announced on Tuesday that she will instead endorse Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi for the job, effectively removing Pelosi's most prominent potential challenger so far.

"I now join my colleagues in support of the leadership team of Pelosi, Hoyer and Clyburn," Fudge said in a statement, referring to Reps. Steny Hoyer and James Clyburn, who are running to retain the respective positions of No. 2 and No. 3 highest-ranking Democrats in the new Congress.

Pelosi has not yet faced any formal opponent in the race, but Fudge had appeared until now to be most likely to challenge her and had publicly talked about the possibility of running. The Ohio Democrat's decision to endorse Pelosi removes at least one potential obstacle in Pelosi's quest to return to the speaker's post, which has seen some opposition from a small but vocal faction of House Democrats who have called for new leadership.

Pelosi also made an announcement on Tuesday, saying that she plans to revive the House Administration subcommittee on elections and make Fudge the chair in the new Congress.

"Chairwoman Fudge will play a critical role in our Democratic Majority's efforts to ensure access to the ballot box for all Americans," Pelosi said, adding that she "look(s) forward to working with" Fudge "in this new role."

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