Democrats are saying "this is not fun anymore" after monumental losses on Election Day, which saw Republicans take the House, Senate, and the presidency.
The Washington Post highlighted infighting among Democrats in the House of Representatives, with younger members contemplating a challenge to their Party's aging leaders.
"For years now, there has been a problematic lack of upward mobility for younger Democrats," the paper wrote in its Daily 202 newsletter Wednesday. "Consider: The top three Democrats in leadership are 76 (Pelosi), 77 (Steny Hoyer) and 76 (Jim Clyburn). The top three Republican leaders, in contrast, are 46 (Paul Ryan), 51 (Kevin McCarthy) and 51 (Steve Scalise)."
The Post said a "generational divide fuels nascent Democratic revolt in House," as members might try to oust Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.).
The state of Democratic leadership is in stark contrast to younger Republican leaders. Democrats use seniority rules in the House, making important committees "led by the oldest members."
"The ranking Democrat on Judiciary, John Conyers, is 87," the Post writes. "Ways and Means ranking member Sander Levin is 85. Nita Lowey, ranking on Appropriations, is 79. Maxine Waters, ranking on Financial Services, is 78. For context, the Republicans who lead the four crucial committees are, from oldest to youngest, 78, 64, 61 and 59."
Younger Democrats stuck in lower positions complain that their elders are unable to effectively combat a unified Republican government. However, it is unlikely that Pelosi could be removed from her leadership post, as she is "both beloved and feared by her members."
The last time she was challenged by former Congressman Heath Shuler in 2010, Pelosi "crushed him like a bug," the Post said.
The report cited Rep. Tim Ryan (D., Ohio) as Pelosi's likeliest challenger for Minority Leader, but added, "even he may still decide not to go through with it."
"He told our Paul Kane during an interview this morning that he has not made a final decision," the report said.
"'This is not fun anymore. This is not fun to wallow in the minority,' he said about the morale of rank-and-file Democrats," the report said. "Asked about the party’s standing, he deadpanned: 'You can't fall off the floor.'"