Representative Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee on Monday, further elevating Harris as the clear frontrunner and quieting speculation that other contenders for the nomination might yet emerge.
“Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our country’s future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States,” Pelosi said in a statement. “My enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for President is official, personal and political.”
Numerous Democratic figures, chief among them including former president Bill Clinton and California governor Gavin Newsom, endorsed Harris for the presidency quickly after Biden did the same on Sunday. However, Pelosi remained silent until now.
“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,” the California Democrat added. “Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith and a commitment to public service. 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.”
Her statement also lauded Biden for his “wisdom and leadership.”
Pelosi’s major endorsement comes after she reportedly persuaded Biden to withdraw from the race, telling him that he cannot beat former president Donald Trump this fall.
Senators John Fetterman (D., Pa.), Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), and Representative Pete Aguilar (D., Calif.) are among at least 215 Democrats to publicly endorse the newly minted presidential candidate since Sunday. Harris has also received support from at least 790 pledged delegates ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month.
In addition to endorsements and pledged delegates, Harris has pulled in a record-breaking $49.6 million in grassroots donations in less than one day since her presidential campaign was launched.
Former president Barack Obama notably refrained from endorsing Harris in a statement issued Sunday, instead expressing confidence that the process devised by the party would yield an “outstanding nominee.” But no Democratic challenger has yet announced that they will compete with Harris for the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in August.
Earlier Monday, Harris praised Biden’s “unmatched” legacy during his term. Biden is set to address the nation later this week about his decision to step aside.