A potential challenger emerged to Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday as her critics worked behind the scenes to try to deny her the votes to be speaker.

Former Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Marcia Fudge of Ohio told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that she is considering a bid for the gavel. Fudge, who has signed a letter vowing to oppose Pelosi on the House floor, does not believe the California Democrat can clinch the 218 votes needed to return to her old position.

“People are asking me to do it, and I am thinking about it,” Fudge said.. “I need to give it some thought and see if I have an interest. I am at the very beginning of this process. It is just in discussion at this point.”

Fudge’s announcement comes as a tug of war within the House Democratic Caucus over the next speaker of the House kicked into high gear Wednesday. Pelosi leaned on incoming Democrats who’ve signaled a desire for new leadership — and her critics implored them to hold firm.