House Speaker Nancy Pelosi faces increased struggles to retain her leadership role as a growing number of House Democrats are choosing to not run for reelection in 2022, leaving a void Republicans hope to fill in a return to power.

“So far, 13 Democrats have decided to officially call it quits on the House, leaving their seats open for a competitive fight and giving Republicans a chance to gain another seat. House Republicans only need to net five seats to gain the majority and retire Pelosi as the speaker,” Breitbart News reported Monday.

Eight of those leaving the House have chosen retirement, according to the report. Of the remaining five, four are running for a different office.

As Dems we MUST #GOTV in huge #’s to hold on to the majority in the House.
This👇

🚨12 House Dems are not running for reelection
5 plan to run for other offices, like Reps
Tim Ryan (Ohio), Val Demings (Fla.) and Conor Lamb (Pa.) who are running for Senate https://t.co/BwtDiag9CH

— Dominique✨#TotallyVaxed💉, Still #MaskedUp (@DominiqueNYC) October 18, 2021

The issue is also complicated by congressional redistricting issues. Following the 2020 census, districts are remade based on population. The party in control of each state’s legislature tends to emphasize rezoning that favors their party, which could harm some of Pelosi’s plans for the House.

In addition to departing members and redistricting efforts, President Joe Biden’s dropping approval ratings continue to make matters difficult for House Democrats facing reelection. Following a botched military exit from Afghanistan, the border crisis, supply chain crisis, inflation and increased fuel prices, voting for Democrats in 2022 has becoming a much tougher selling point.

The Senate will make for a more difficult challenge for Republican. At least four Republicans are not running for reelection next year.

There are 4 republican senators not running for reelection next year. If the democrats can field good strong candidates they should have a good chance in 3 of those open seats. Alabama, is most likely practically impossible.

— Jessica M. MSN, FNP-C (@Jessicam6946) February 9, 2021

The 2022 midterm elections will include high drama as both parties fight for power during one of the most controversial presidencies in a generation.