Nancy Pelosi Expresses Support for Rep. Adam Schiff in Potential California Senate Race

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has expressed her support for Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) if Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein decides not to run for re-election. Pelosi released a statement on Thursday saying, “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.”

Pelosi praised Schiff’s service in the House, saying, “In his service in the House, he has focused on strengthening our Democracy with justice and on building an economy that works for all.” Schiff has been a staunch Pelosi ally, and the former speaker tapped him to lead the House Intelligence Committee in 2019.

Feinstein, who has served in the Senate since 1992, has not yet said if she is running for a sixth term next year. If she decides to retire, Schiff would be the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.

Schiff has represented California’s 28th Congressional District since 2013. He has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and was a key figure in the House’s impeachment inquiry. He has also been a leader in the fight for gun control and has advocated for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

The California Senate race is expected to be closely watched in the 2022 midterms. If Feinstein decides to retire, the race will likely be a competitive one between Schiff and any potential Republican challengers.