Is Nancy Pelosi’s Fight to Become Speaker Again a Referendum on Gender?

As speaker of the House from 2007 to 2011, Nancy Pelosi was the highest-serving woman ever to serve in American politics. Should she regain that title in January, she would make history once again. But as she fights a band of insurgent Democrats who want her replaced with a fresh face, some are wondering if gender is playing a role.

Critics include a number of Democrats who won in Republican-leaning areas after saying they wouldn't vote for her as speaker.