Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) threw her support behind Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the race for a California Senate seat, offering Schiff a key endorsement before incumbent Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has indicated whether she plans to 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.“
Nancy Pelosi on #casen: “If Senator Feinstein decides to seek re-election, she has my whole-hearted support. 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.“
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 2, 2023
Pelosi’s support raises the stakes of what is anticipated to be a contentious fight to replace Feinstein, who is expected to retire after holding the seat for more than 30 years. Schiff announced his Senate campaign last week, joining Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) in what is shaping up to be a crowded primary field.
Porter announced her campaign in early January, getting an early start ahead of other possible Democratic contenders, such as Reps. Ro Khanna and Barbara Lee.
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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,” Feinstein said in a statement responding 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.”
