Nancy Pelosi, a major figure in American politics, announced on Thursday that she will step down as the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives, where the Republicans won a majority that positions Hakeem Jeffries, a liberal congressman from New York, as the congressman. the leading candidate for the post of leader of the Democrats for the next two years, according to Reuters and AFP.

“I will not be running for leader of the Democratic Party in the next Congress,” the 82-year-old said during a speech at the Hemicycle, saying she wanted to give way to a “new generation.”

President Joe Biden immediately paid tribute to her, calling her a “protected defender of democracy.”

Nancy Pelosi, the first woman in office, also talked about dark times, such as the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

“Indeed, American democracy is great, but it is fragile,” she warned.

Jeffries, 52, will be the first black House Democratic leader, representing the party’s diverse base and bringing a new generation to the helm.

Pelosi, the first woman in that position, is 82 years old, and two other members of the party leadership are in their 80s. House Democrats will vote on their leaders on November 30.

Jeffries would also represent a stylistic contrast to Pelosi. She turns out to be aggressive and decisive in speech, and he, as a rule, is considered more reserved.

Pelosi and other senior Democrats have been under pressure to make room for a younger generation of Democrats in the 435-seat House.

Other top Democrats may also compete for the House leadership.

Democratic incumbent Steny Hoyer, 83, has said he will not seek leadership in the next Congress and has endorsed Jeffries.