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Why is Nancy Pelosi stepping down - and who will replace her?

Nancy Pelosi - one of the most powerful women in US politics in recent years - is stepping down as leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives.

Eighty-two-year-old Ms Pelosi, who was the first woman to hold the post of speaker of the House, is the most powerful Democrat in Congress.

Her decision comes as Republicans are projected to take back control of the House following the midterm elections.

What does this mean for US politics - and who will succeed her? Catie Edmondson, Congressional correspondent for the New York Times, explains.

(Photo: Nancy Pelosi speaks during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill. Credit: Getty Images)

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4 minutes