DONNA CASSATA
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is asking her Democratic colleagues to support her in her bid to lead a significantly smaller caucus in the next Congress.

In a letter to colleagues on Wednesday, Pelosi said the election results were difficult for Democrats, and the party lost some valued members. Ten Democratic incumbents lost their seats as the GOP made broad gains to push its majority to near-historic levels.

She said the challenge will be in changing the political environment and increasing the number of voters to build a better community and economy. She said this basic charge has convinced her she should seek the leadership post.

Pelosi, who easily won a 15th term in Congress, is 74 years old.

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