Nancy Pelosi re-elected as House Democratic leader

Longtime Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi won re-election Wednesday, fighting off a challenge after her party's crushing disappointment in the presidential election. In a closed vote, the caucus chose the California representative 134 to 63 over challenger Tim Ryan of Ohio, according to NBC News. Pelosi, 76, has led the House Democrats for 12 years and previously served as House speaker. Ryan — who represents a state Trump won — argued that the party needs a new generation of leadership. He recently told NBC News that focusing too much on identity politics rather than economics may have alienated white voters who propelled Trump to victory. Democrats must adopt a progressive economic message that focuses on large, direct infrastructure investments, affordable health care, portable pensions, and public-private investments that promote advanced manufacturing.