Nancy Pelosi Throws Her Support Behind Adam Schiff in California Senate Race

FFormer House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, backed Rep. Adam Schiff (D–CA) in the race to fill a California Senate seat. This endorsement was a major endorsement for Schiff before incumbent Senator Dianne Feinstein (D–CA) indicated that she will retire.

“If Sen. Feinstein decides to seek reelection, she has my wholehearted support,” Pelosi told CNN’s Manu Raju. “If she decides not to run, I will be supporting House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff, who knows well the nexus between a strong democracy and a strong economy.“

Pelosi’s backing raises the stakes for what is expected to be a contentious struggle to replace Feinstein. Feinstein is set to retire in the next 30 years after having held the seat for more then 30 years. Schiff joined Rep. Katie Porter (D.CA) last week in a Senate campaign that is expected to draw a large primary field.

Porter’s campaign was announced in January. She got an early start over other potential Democratic candidates, like Barbara Lee and Rep. Ro Khanna.

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It’s not yet clear what Feinstein plans to do after her term ends in 2024, but it’s widely expected the 89-year-old will retire. If so, her retirement would open a Senate seat in California that hasn’t been up for grabs since 1992.

“Everyone is of course welcome to throw their hat in the ring, and I will make an announcement concerning my plans for 2024 at the appropriate time,” In a statement, Feinstein responded to Porter’s candidacy. “Right now I’m focused on ensuring California has all the resources it needs to cope with the devastating storms slamming the state and leaving more than a dozen dead.”