Democrats re-elect Nancy Pelosi as House minority leader

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Democrats in the House of Representatives re-elected California Rep. Nancy Pelosi to serve as House Minority Leader on Wednesday.

"Honored to be elected by my colleagues to serve as Democratic Leader. Let's get to work," Pelosi wrote on Twitter after the vote.

Pelosi's re-election comes after the Democratic Party lost control of the White House and fell short of controlling either chamber of Congress in the Nov. 8 presidential election.

During a closed-door meeting, 134 Democrats out of 198 endorsed Pelosi -- defeating a challenge by Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, who promised a more inclusive Democratic Party that would move away from identity politics.

"November taught us that changes were necessary," Ryan said in a statement following the loss. "I am proud that my bid for Democratic leader pushed our members to have these tough family discussions about our future and how we win back the majority in 2018."

Pelosi did not address her colleagues directly during the closed-door meeting and instead chose to have six of her supporters make the case as to why she should be re-elected.

"I'm convinced Nancy Pelosi is best equipped to lead this caucus in what is a dangerous time," Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., told his Democratic colleagues, NBC News reported.