House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) explained in an interview published Monday that it is “essential” that Democrats retain control of the House and said she fears for American democracy if Republicans were to take control of the House following the midterm elections.

During an interview with Time magazine’s Molly Ball amid a virtual ceremony to award the 2022 Robin Toner prizes for political journalism, Pelosi noted the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and former President Donald Trump’s control of the GOP.

“It is absolutely essential for our democracy that we win,” Pelosi said. “I fear for our democracy if the Republicans were ever to get the gavel. We can’t let that happen.”