Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28. | AP Photo Tim Ryan to challenge Pelosi for minority leader 'Keeping our leadership team completely unchanged will simply lead to more disappointment,' the Ohio Democrat says.

Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan will challenge House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi for the top Democratic post, the first real test of her leadership since Democrats lost the House in 2010.

"Vote for me and I will dedicate all of my energy to lead us back into the majority. Our constituents deserve nothing less,” Ryan, 43, wrote in a letter to colleagues Thursday afternoon.


“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 added.

There is significant unrest within the caucus after Democrats’ poor showing on Election Day, but it’s unclear if that will translate into strong support for Ryan.

“Tim Ryan has floated a run for Ohio governor in 2014, senator in 2016 and Ohio governor in 2018. Many believe this run, destined for failure, is a mere publicity stunt to lay the groundwork for a run for governor,” said a senior Democratic aide.

Pelosi’s leadership has clearly been shaken. But the longtime leader has a loyal following in her caucus and many think it would take a near-miracle to unseat her.

Pelosi had initially hoped to wrap up the elections for her job and other top Democratic posts on Thursday. She had to postpone the internal votes until Nov. 30 after a rank-and-file rebellion earlier this week.

But while Ryan has some time, it's far from clear whether he can assemble the votes to give Pelosi a run. She’s been a virtual piggy bank for Democratic lawmakers, holding nearly 360 fundraising events and bringing in $117 million for the House Democratic campaign arm this cycle. She has a solid base of support among older members and the California delegation.

That’s not to mention the countless favors she’s doled out over the years, from committee assignments and legislation to overseas trips.

It's the power of long-term incumbency, and no one wields it more effectively than Pelosi.

Ryan, meanwhile, only paid half of his $200,000 dues this cycle, despite winning his district overwhelmingly and ending the race with $500,000 cash on hand.

Yet there are potential pockets of support for Ryan to try to tap into. He could start by trying to court the nearly three-dozen members who signed a letter pushing to have leadership elections delayed until after Thanksgiving. Ryan was on the letter at first but took his name off once he started considering running for minority leader.

He could also appeal to members from the Midwest or swing states that are concerned the Democratic Party leadership has failed to craft an effective economic message for middle class and rural voters.

Ryan, though, has to tread carefully. There is enormous goodwill for Pelosi inside the caucus. And while members may feel it's time for new leadership, they won't countenance harsh personal attacks on her.

So far, Ryan has praised Pelosi personally while questioning whether she’s the right person to lead House Democrats forward.

The Ohio Democrat will need to quickly assemble a whip organization to round up votes. So far, Ryan has waged his battle publicly, which is good for reporters but less helpful in winning commitments from lawmakers. Leadership races are more about power politics than popularity contests, and the person who tries to wage their campaign in the press rather than internally almost always loses.

And some in the caucus may be unwilling to throw out their longtime leader, and the most powerful woman in politics, with an unpredictable President-elect Donald Trump moving into the White House in two months.

Ryan freely admits he lacks leadership experience and hasn’t shown any real desire to serve in such a role until now. That could give even the unhappiest members pause about breaking with a known quantity in Pelosi.

Ryan was recruited by a small group of members to run, but the push appeared to be driven more by anger with Pelosi than wanting Ryan as their leader.

"I'm not out there to push a certain candidate," Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) told CNN Thursday. Moulton was behind the push to delay leadership elections, and he discussed a possible leadership bid with Ryan.

"I am not out there to support or go against Nancy Pelosi,” Moulton added. “What I am saying is that we need to have a serious conversation and listen to the American people and develop a new strategy."

Still, Pelosi, 76, may face questions about how long she will remain in power; she’s been leading the caucus for 14 years. Ryan's challenge could force her to loosen her control over nearly every aspect of the caucus and bring more voices to the leadership table.

Ryan, a seven-term lawmaker who represents the kind of Rust Belt terrain where Donald Trump and Republicans outperformed in the election, says Democrats can't continue on their current path.

"While having a position in Democratic leadership has never been my life’s ambition, after this election I believe we all need to re-evaluate our roles within the caucus, the Democratic Party and our country," he said.

“In the days and weeks ahead, I will put forward policies and ideas to help us energize the diverse base of our party, and fight the intolerance and dangers that President-elect Trump represents. I expect the entire caucus to hold me accountable."

Ryan has been flirting with the idea of taking on Pelosi for days but didn’t officially declare until another potential challenger — Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) — passed on the race.

A small group of frustrated lawmakers had been pushing Crowley to challenge Pelosi but he ultimately declined, deciding instead to stick with his original plan to run unopposed for Democratic Caucus chairman.

“What’s clear is that no single individual will be able to lead us back into the majority. What we need is a truly collaborative effort,” Crowley said in a letter announcing his bid for caucus chairman. He didn’t address the minority leader rumors.

Pelosi’s office did not respond to requests for comment on Ryan’s announcement.

But earlier in the day, she predicted she would easily beat back any challenge, asserting she already has the support of two-thirds of the Democratic Caucus.

“I don’t want to respond to that,” she told reporters when asked about Ryan’s criticisms that Democrats had failed to make any real gains since 2010 under her leadership.

“In 2005 and 2006, I orchestrated the take-back of the House of Representatives. … I know how to do it, how to get it done.”

