Nancy Pelosi was on Sunday re-elected Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

80-year-old Pelosi got 216 votes, while Kevin McCarthy of California received 209.

The Democrat, a staunch supporter of President-elect Joe Biden, reclaimed the seat in 2019.

Before then, the Republican were in control for eight years.

Pelosi becomes the only woman to hold the position for a fourth term.

McCarthy will lead the GOP for a second term.

Ahead of the 117th Congress opening, Pelosi expressed gratitude for the nomination.

The Speaker noted that the present time was one of “extraordinary difficulty,'' according to Bloomberg.

READ ALSO:

'Crime Is Endemic In Nigeria' – US Warns Citizens

She said: “Each of our communities has been drastically affected by the pandemic and economic crisis: 350,000 tragic deaths, over 20 million infections, millions without jobs – a toll almost beyond comprehension”.

Pelosi and President-elect Joe Biden will push to address issues including coronavirus relief, health care and infrastructure in the new Congress.

The Tuesday runoff elections in Georgia, which will decide whether Republicans hold the Senate, will shape how much the pair can accomplish.

Before delivering remarks to the House on Sunday, Pelosi raised the speaker's gavel to applause from Democrats. She cited ending the coronavirus pandemic as "our most urgent priority."

"And defeat it we will," she said.

Pelosi and Biden have said they will push for another round of pandemic aid in the coming weeks. They described the $900 billion package signed into law last month as a down payment.

She added that the House should work with Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to "pursue justice — economic justice, justice in health, racial justice, environmental and climate justice."

Pelosi has insisted her party's seat losses will not reduce her leverage or force her to change her strategy. She has said the election of Biden, who takes office on Jan. 20, gives Democrats more power for the next two years.