The new Democratic-controlled House elected Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the House on Thursday amid a battle with President Trump over border-wall funding. Photo: GettyWASHINGTON—California Democrat Nancy Pelosi was elected speaker of the House of Representatives on Thursday, making her the first person to reclaim the gavel since 1955. Mrs. Pelosi picked up the majority of votes needed to win the speaker’s gavel and lead the House in an era of divided government. She will take the reins of an ideologically diverse Democratic caucus into the 2020 presidential race. She won 220 votes to 192 for Republican minority leader Kevin McCarthy of California.

Source: Wall Street Journal January 03, 2019 17:11 UTC