SAN FRANCISCO — Nancy Pelosi has not publicly called on President Joe Biden to step aside, though she privately told him last week that she and other Democratic lawmakers worry he’s dragging down the party .
The former House speaker also warned Biden that some Democratic lawmakers would start to grow louder in their griping about his political weaknesses, according to two people close to her.
That appears to be happening this week, most notably with Rep. Adam Schiff — who looks all-but-guaranteed to be California’s next senator — calling on Biden to drop out on Wednesday. And many of the House Democrats now pressuring the president have something in common: deep ties to Pelosi herself.
A top California Democratic strategist said Pelosi is giving members the go-ahead to speak out and distance themselves from Biden’s sinking brand, in part, because Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been reluctant to go there.
“There’s no control of House Democrats,” said the strategist, who was granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. “They’re free to do whatever they like because President Biden, I think he’s lost control of the party.”
As the private pressure from Pelosi mounts, here’s a stocktake of where her California acolytes stand in their own public remarks:
Adam Schiff
What he’s said: His statement Wednesday was widely interpreted as a signal for other House Democrats to speak out. Schiff cited the stakes the election poses: “A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy.” The New York Times also reported that Schiff told attendees at a fundraiser that Biden would prevent Democrats from flipping the House.
Relationship with Pelosi: Schiff has long been one of Pelosi’s closest mentees, whom she entrusted to lead congressional investigations into Trump, as well as his first impeachment trial. He also served as chair of the powerful House Intelligence Committee under her. The former speaker has often boosted Schiff’s career. Her endorsement of him in the state’s Senate race was an early signal that helped Schiff drown out Democratic opponents Rep. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee in the primary.
Both Pelosi’s and Schiff’s offices declined to say whether he sought her input before going public with his Biden comments on Wednesday.
Jared Huffman
What he’s said: Huffman previously circulated a draft letter calling on Democrats to delay Biden’s nomination. On Wednesday, Huffman said he’s dropping the letter because the DNC agreed to postpone a vote until at least Aug. 1. “This buys time. There is still time for a course correction,” the Marin County lawmaker told our colleagues in Washington. Huffman hasn’t called for Biden to step aside, but he said he’s worried about Biden’s denial about weak polling.
Relationship with Pelosi: Huffman and Pelosi have represented neighboring Bay Area districts for over a decade. His hometown is just over the Golden Gate Bridge from Pelosi’s power base in San Francisco, and they have often worked together on legislation for the region. After Pelosi made comments questioning Biden’s mental fitness following his disastrous debate performance, Huffman said members were taking notes. “She’s someone who everyone listens to, and her words are chosen carefully and received seriously,” he told The Hill .
Zoe Lofgren
What she’s said: Lofgren’s office said she wouldn’t comment on Biden’s status or any private conversations about the matter. She was among a handful of veteran lawmakers who spoke up during a private Democratic Caucus meeting last week, sharing concerns that Biden might not have a path to win unless he can do something different to reassure voters.
Relationship with Pelosi: Lofgren is one of Pelosi’s longest-serving House colleagues from the Bay Area, and their friendship stretches back to the mid-1990s. The former speaker has entrusted Lofgren with a series of leadership posts. The San Jose representative was previously chair of the Committee on House Administration and was selected by Pelosi to serve as impeachment manager during Trump’s first trial.
Mark Takano
What he’s said: Takano was one of four prominent House Democrats who called for Biden to step down during a closed-door caucus meeting last week, speaking out along with three other longtime Pelosi allies: Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), and Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.). Takano declined to elaborate publicly.
Relationship with Pelosi: Takano has spoken extensively about how Pelosi’s early support and mentorship shaped his political career. The lawmaker from Riverside County has served with Pelosi for over a decade, and she made him chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee when she was speaker.
Mike Levin
What he’s said: Levin was one of the earliest battleground House Democrats calling for Biden’s exit , an indication of how many within the party worry the president’s unpopularity could cost them swing seats. “It is time to move forward. With a new leader. Together,” Levin said in a statement. He also directly asked Biden to step down during a call with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, as the AP reported .
Relationship with Pelosi: Levin faces a tough reelection fight in a purple district that GOP strategists have long sought to reclaim. It’s a seat that Pelosi raised oodles of money to help Democrats flip in 2018, as the party chipped away at GOP’s grip on suburban parts of Orange and San Diego counties.
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