Pelosi's leadership secure for now, but House Democrats eyeing successors

House Democrats are sticking with Nancy Pelosi as their leader after their party suffered humiliating losses in last week’s elections, but many of them are privately eyeing a post-Pelosi era, saying they think she will cede power when President Obama’s tenure ends in two years.

For now, Mrs. Pelosi’s position is secure. Nobody has stepped forward to challenge the Californian’s leadership, and two of her potential rivals have said they will continue to seek lower leadership posts.

But supporters have quietly begun to talk about those who could ascend to the top job eventually, including House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, who has played second fiddle to Mrs. Pelosi for years, and House Budget Committee ranking member Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who has built a strong following in the caucus as one of Mrs. Pelosi’s top lieutenants.