Schumer, Jeffries, Pelosi mum on endorsing Harris after Biden drops out

• Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) refrained from mentioning Harris in their initial statements Sunday even as Biden immediately threw his support behind her.
• Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), still one of the party's most influential figures, also didn't mention Harris.

Yes, but: That doesn't mean that she won't secure the backing of those and other senior Democrats soon.

The big picture: Top congressional Democrats focused their initial public comments on an outpouring of support for Biden.

• "His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party and our future first," Schumer said.
• "America is in a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity," Jeffries said.
• Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said of Biden: "America will be forever grateful for all he has given to this country" but also didn't mention Harris in a post on X reacting to the news.

Between the lines: Party insiders believe Harris is in the pole position for the nomination, and the coming hours could see her quickly amassing support.

• How that would happen, though, remains an open question.

• While some Senate Democrats support Harris, others want an open convention, Democratic sources told Axios.

Zoom out: The vice president did get quick support from several powerful factional House Democratic leaders.

• Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) said in a statement: "I look forward to casting my vote for Kamala Harris for President and doing everything I can to ensure she becomes our next President."
• Center-left New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) said the new generation of Democratic leaders to whom Biden passed the torch will be "led by Vice President Kamala Harris."

Axios' Andrew Solender contributed to this story.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional lawmaker comment.