The woman who made history two years ago by becoming the first female speaker of the House has been re-elected to that post. House colleagues today chose Nancy Pelosi to continue as speaker.

Her fellow Democrats, with an expanded majority, elected her over Republican John Boehner (BAY’-nur) on the first day of the 111th Congress.

Pelosi received 255 votes, to Boehner’s 174. The announcement was met with a standing ovation from fellow lawmakers.

Pelosi, a Californian who represents one of the nation’s most liberal congressional districts, will lead a Democratic majority that has grown by more than 20 members since the end of the last Congress.