Saying she would "never" rely on Republican votes, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., claims she has the Democratic votes and "overwhelming support," to return to the House Speaker seat.
"I intend to win the speakership with Democratic votes," she told reporters Thursday.
Pelosi was asked about 17 Democratic House members who had reportedly signed a letter seeking a leadership change – someone younger than the 78-year-old Pelosi – and about Republican support for her as speaker, which she said she would "never" rely on.
"I have overwhelming support in my caucus to the speaker of the House, and certainly we had many, many people in our caucus who could serve in this capacity," she added.
"I happen to think, at this point, I am the best person for that."
The full House will vote on its next speaker Jan. 3.
"It doesn't matter to me whether they supported me," Pelosi said of Democratic opposition to her candidacy, which she has invited.