"The most unifying politician in Congress" Nancy Pelosi, pictured here in 2009. (Creative Commons)

Addressing a room full of Democrats, Pelosi pushed for bipartisan collaboration going forward. "The message is clear from the American people," Pelosi said, according to Politico. "They want us to work together to get things done… We may not have the gavel, but as I can see in this room, we have the unity."

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Politico called the decision a "blow" to Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), whom Pelosi defeated in a leadership battle in 2001. And though the 72-year-old Pelosi's rein has meant younger Democrats have had to stay in lower rank, she is still considered "the most unifying politician in the House," John Bresnahan and Seung Min Kim wrote in their Politico send-up. "Democrats still love her — and cheered her decision. And Republicans love having her atop Democrat leadership, as she remains a perfect target for conservative interests."

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