Nancy Pelosi has picked off another Democratic detractor who vowed to oppose the long-time Democratic leader, putting her one step closer to regaining the speaker's gavel in January.
Rep. Brian Higgins, a New York Democrat who has criticized Pelosi for months and promised to vote against her in the new Congress, announced his support for the California Democrat Wednesday.
"Power has been too consolidated atop the caucus and it was my hope that along with like-minded members, we would forge a new leadership structure," Higgins said in a statement Wednesday. "Following conversations with Nancy and other caucus leaders, I have renewed confidence that more voices will be heard, that members will each have greater opportunities to advance policies meaningful to the communities and country we love. "
Higgins is the latest Pelosi critic to make an about-face — Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) announced she was backing Pelosi on Tuesday, just days after openly considering a bid against her. Fudge's change of heart leaves the rebel group without anyone to challenge Pelosi for the top job.
Higgins's flip deals another blow to the group of rebels looking to oust Pelosi after her 16 year reign over the caucus. Higgins was one of 16 current and incoming Democrats who signed a letter Monday promising to vote against Pelosi on the floor.
Higgins said he will now back Pelosi after she agreed to support two of his key legislative priorities in the new Congress: a major infrastructure package and legislation dealing with the Medicare enrollment age.
"Some will ask why I have changed my position. The answer is simple: I took a principled stand on issues of vital importance not only to my constituents in Western New York but also to more than 300 million Americans whose lives can be improved by progress in these areas," he said.
Pelosi put out a statement Wednesday praising Higgins as an "extraordinary leader" on health care issues and saying she was "honored" to have his support.
The question now centers on whether other Democrats who have said they'll oppose Pelosi for speaker stand firm in their opposition or relent, clearing her path back to the gavel.
Democrats meet next Wednesday for a closed-door vote for speaker and other leadership positions. Pelosi is expected to easily win the vote, which only requires a majority of the caucus.
The expected victory will give Pelosi and her allies more than a month to try to convince Democratic opponents to back her on the House floor in January.
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