WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi named Orlando U.S. Rep. Val Demings as one of seven impeachment managers ahead of an expected vote to send articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate.
The seven impeachment managers will be tasked with prosecuting the case against Trump, the next necessary step in the impeachment process.
READ: Impeachment of Donald Trump: Pelosi names impeachment managers
Demings, who previously served as chief of the Orlando Police Department, will work alongside House Intelligence Chair Adam Schiff, House Judiciary Chair Jerry Nadler, House Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Rep. Sylvia Garcia and Rep. Jason Crow.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to help defend our republic in this incredible moment in history,” Demings said in a tweet.
I am honored to have the opportunity to help defend our republic in this incredible moment in history. I hope that every American who believes in democracy will take a stand.
— Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) January 15, 2020
Speaker Nancy Pelosi announces impeachment trial managers:
— ABC News (@ABC) January 15, 2020
— Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff
— Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler
— Rep. Hakeem Jeffries
— Rep. Val Demings
— Rep. Zoe Lofgren
— Rep. Sylvia Garcia
— Rep. Jason Crow https://t.co/N42Vt5oq1G
READ: ‘He abused his power’: Rep. Val Demings talks about impeachment hearings
Pelosi noted Deming’s decades with the Orlando Police Department as a factor in her selection.
“The emphasis is on litigators. The emphasis is on comfort level in the courtroom. The emphasis is on making the strongest possible case to protect and defend our Constitution to seek the truth for the American people," Pelosi said.
The appointment has the rumor mill swirling with some suggesting Demings could be named as a running mate in the 2020 presidential race.
“A woman like Val Demings on the ballot would absolutely serve as a great contrast, represent our state well and the Florida Democratic party well,” said Juan Penalosa, the executive director of Florida’s Democratic Party.
Demings is married to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
The House voted Wednesday to approve of the managers, fund the trial and transmit the articles to the Senate.
This is the second time an Orlando Representative has been named as an impeachment manager. Republican Bill McCollum was a manager in the 90’s as part of the Clinton impeachment https://t.co/zzLPzKcYx3
— Christopher Heath (@CHeathWFTV) January 15, 2020
.@SpeakerPelosi says FL's @RepValDemings serves on both the Judiciary and Intel committees. She will serve now as impeachment manager.
— Jacqueline Fell (@jackiefell) January 15, 2020
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