Nancy Pelosi Suffers Big Blow As Dem Rep From Texas Quits Congress Early And Won’t Finish Term
Speaker Nancy Pelosi suffered a huge blow when a Dem Rep from Texas announced he was quitting Congress and would not finish his term. The Demsa are seeing an unprecedented exodus as the red wave looms but most are staying until the term ends because Pelosi has such slim margins.
But not Rep. Filemon Vela who is bolting early cutting Pelosi’s already impossibly slim margin in the House even smaller. Heather Caygle, Managing Editor At Punch Bowl News, broke the news reporting:
“Rep. Filemon Vela will resign from Congress in coming weeks to take a position at Akin Gump, I’m told. Vela announced plans to retire last year but he now will not serve out the full term
“Vela just had the House pass a bill to adjust the border for the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park. He’s hoping to see the Senate pass that first before he leaves, I’m told.
Vela’s early departure is significant given the already really tight margins Dem leaders are working with in the House. Vela is known for being outspoken
“He’s one of few House Dems who would go on the record to criticize Pelosi and call for new leadership, long before announcing plans to retire.
“In recent years he has backed her speaker bid (and, coincidentally, was put on Armed Services Cmte).”
From The Texas Tribune:
That development will set off a unique special election to replace him. His 34th District is based in Brownsville
His close friend, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, announced last year after redistricting that he would run for Vela’s seat in the wake of Texas redistricting.
He currently represents the neighboring 15th District based in McAllen.
NEW: Rep. Filemon Vela will resign from Congress in coming weeks to take a position at Akin Gump, I’m told
— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) March 24, 2022
Vela announced plans to retire last year but he now will not serve out the full term
— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) March 24, 2022
Vela just had the House pass a bill to adjust the border for the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park. He’s hoping to see the Senate pass that first before he leaves, I’m told
Vela is known for being outspoken
— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) March 24, 2022
He’s one of few House Dems who would go on the record to criticize Pelosi and call for new leadership, long before announcing plans to retire
In recent years he has backed her speaker bid (and, coincidentally, was put on Armed Services Cmte)