Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts faced his constituents Monday after a letter he signed called for a change to Democratic leadership in the House.
"I think the party and the country deserve new leadership," said Moulton.
He held a meeting at Amesbury Town Hall for more than an hour Monday night.
The letter, dated Monday, calls for a leadership shakeup, including ousting current Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
The Congresswoman from California has been the top House Democrat since 2002.
Sixteen current and soon-to-be members of Congress signed it two weeks after they took control of the House.
The letter thanks Pelosi for her service, then reads, "We recognize that in this recent election, Democrats ran and won on a message of change ... We promised to change the status quo and we intend to deliver on that promise."
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Moulton told reporters the idea has been mulled for the last few months and said he did not write the letter.
"I'm not going to run for anything," said Moulton. "I want people to know that this is me doing what I think is right for the party and the country. It's not about me."
Protesters held signs in the standing room only room that read, "I stand with Nancy."
"I think Nancy Pelosi is one of those things that can help us get through the next two years," said Bambi Snodgrass of Freedom North Shore.
The idea to replace Pelosi before she becomes House speaker has two weeks to build momentum. There's an anonymous caucus vote at the end of November for Democratic leadership.
"I am actively supporting, encouraging, other people to run — supporting other folks who are running for different positions," said Moulton. "I'm excited about some of the amazing leaders in our party, including amazingly talented women."
According to Moulton, there are other members of Congress who support the letter, but did not sign it.
He said they did not want to face a contentious town hall as he did.
