Pelosi’s endorsement put her on direct chances with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.), and surprised many because she rarely ventured on Democratic primaries.
It also called for the retreat of progressives, who have opposed their own primary efforts against sitting members of the Democratic establishment.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DN.Y.), a Markey supporter who even won a primary against an insider, said Pelosi’s support for Kennedy went against the party’s long-standing policy against supporting challengers.
“Nobody gets to complain about primary challenges again,” tweeted Ocasio-Cortez.
Justice Democrats, who have backed Ocasio-Cortez and other progressives, have released a statement accusing Pelosi of double standards.
“This movement stems from hypocrisy,” the group wrote in a statement. “The party sets one standard for progressives and one completely different standard for its establishment.”
Pelosi cited Kennedy’s track record, calling him a ‘valued member’ who was ‘instrumental’ in helping Democrats win the 2018 House majority.
“I’m so proud to support him,” she said, adding, “I support my members when they run for reelection and when they run for another office.”
