Some House Democrats are calling for Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to step back after her recent comments on Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the 2024 Election.
Pelosi, 84, sparked frustration within the Democratic caucus after suggesting in an interview with The New York Times that President Biden might have had a better chance of winning if he had exited the race earlier, potentially allowing for other candidates to enter. She also expressed her preference for an “open primary” to replace Biden, 81, on the Democratic ticket.
In response to Pelosi’s remarks, one senior Democrat told Axios, “She needs to take a seat,” adding that her “scattershot comments” were not only unhelpful but also damaging. Another House Democrat expressed concerns over Pelosi speaking on behalf of the party, especially instead of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
“Hakeem has been tremendously graceful and respectful of her, but I don’t think she is being respectful of him,” the lawmaker, part of the Congressional Black Caucus, stated. “I understand this is a difficult transition for her, not being the leader, but she needs to understand what her new role is.”
Despite the tension, Pelosi’s spokesperson clarified that she continues to hold Jeffries in high regard. “Speaker Pelosi is immensely proud of Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his masterful stewardship of the House Democratic Caucus,” the spokesperson said. “We all should praise the excellent progress made by House Democrats under his leadership.”
Pelosi was succeeded by Jeffries as the leader of the House Democratic Caucus after the party’s loss of the House majority in the 2022 midterm elections.