Chamber member Nancy Pelosi endorsed Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III in his primary challenge to Local Senator Edward J. Markey, an impetus for the challenger in what interviews suggest is a race for neck and neck.
“Even earlier, times have required us to elect brave leaders like today, and that’s why I’m proud to support Joe Kennedy in the House of Representatives,” said Pelosi, who has been with Markey for more than a quarter of a century. served the Chamber, in a video announcing their support for the 39-year-old challenger.
Pelosi credits Kennedy with helping the House of Representatives fight for the Democrats in the 2018 midterm elections by campaigning “all over America” and said Kennedy “knows that in order to achieve progressive change, you need to be on the front lines, moving led by people. ‘
In a news release from the Kennedy campaign, Pelosi said: ‘Joe Kennedy represents the future of this Party. He will help lead Democrats forward on the defined field battles of our time. “
Pelosi’s signing is both a blessing for Kennedy and a snub of Markey, who was an ally of the California Democrat during his long term in the House of Representatives. In 2007, during her first term as Speaker, Pelosi elected Markey over several other leading legislators to chair a selection committee dedicated to energy and global warming issues, and then supported the 2009 climate legislation. he co-wrote, and brings it to a mood across the House floor.
The bill passed the House, but was a harsh vote for many of the more central members in Pelosi’s cow. It died in the Senate.
Pelosi’s decision to wade into a controversial primary from the House of Representatives, especially on the challenger’s side, is unusual.
Pelosi is typically an ardent defender of the House Masters of Democratic officials, regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum. This year, for example, they are campaigning for Texas Representative Henry Cuellar, who opposes abortion, and best helps him a serious left-wing challenger supported by the likes of Senator Elizabeth Warren. Pelosi also endorsed two progressive members of the so-called Squad, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, over primary challenger.
Although they sound cool after Kennedy’s decision to challenge Markey when he first jumped into the race last year, Pelosi has clearly seen Kennedy for a while as a rising star in the Democratic Party.
In 2018, she picked him up to deliver the Democratic response to President Trump’s first address to the Union.
Victoria McGrane can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @vgmac.
