Updated Jul 22, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Nancy Pelosi endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic nominee

Andrew Solender

Kamala Harris wearing a brown suit and Nancy Pelosi wearing a blue suit, clapping in front of an American flag as Joe Biden speaks in the foreground. — Vice President Kamala Harris and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi applaud as President Biden delivers his State of the Union address on March 1, 2022. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president on Monday.

Why it matters: The speaker emerita helps solidify an emerging consensus around Harris as the clear frontrunner to replace President Biden at the top of the ticket.

What she's saying: Pelosi said in a statement that she endorses her fellow Californian with "immense pride and limitless optimism for our country's future," adding that her "enthusiastic support ... is official, personal and political."

"Officially, I have seen Kamala Harris's strength and courage as a champion for working families, notably fighting for a woman's right to choose. Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith and a commitment to public service," she said.
"Politically, make no mistake: Kamala Harris as a woman in politics is brilliantly astute – and I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November."
Pelosi and Harris spoke by phone on Sunday after Biden dropped out, a source familiar with the matter told Axios.

Zoom in: Pelosi was a leading figure in efforts to get Biden to exit the 2024 race, with Biden-skeptic lawmakers looking to her as their best instrument for forcing the 81-year-old president off the ticket.

Pelosi never joined public calls for Biden to withdraw, but privately she warned him that he could hurt Democrats further down the ballot.

Between the lines: Pelosi and other leading Democrats, including former President Obama and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), held off on endorsing Harris immediately after Biden dropped out on Sunday.

But sources told Axios that, at least in the case of congressional Democratic leaders, that was more out of deference to the process than hesitance to support Harris.
"For some of the top leaders, they are allowing a little bit of time before making any announcements," one senior House Democrat told Axios on Sunday morning.

Zoom out: Harris is quickly consolidating support on Capitol Hill and within the broader Democratic party.

In addition to Biden and the Clintons, Harris has racked up support from potential rivals and running mates, state Democratic party chairs and entire state delegations.

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated with more information.

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Nancy Pelosi endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic nominee

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