Pelosi Hasn't Urged Biden to Drop Out Yet; Here's What Her California Allies Are Saying
A few of the members, including Reps. Adam Schiff and Jared Huffman, are actively leading the effort to persuade him to rethink his decision.
TroibNews 
SAN FRANCISCO — In private discussions, Nancy Pelosi has expressed concerns to President Joe Biden about how he might be negatively affecting the Democratic Party, although she has not made such sentiments public.
The former House speaker also intimated that Democratic lawmakers could increasingly voice their dissatisfaction with Biden's political vulnerabilities, according to two individuals close to her.
This week, there have been notable public calls for Biden to step aside, including from Rep. Adam Schiff. Many of the House Democrats exerting pressure on the president are closely connected to Pelosi.
A prominent California Democratic strategist suggested that Pelosi is allowing members to publicly distance themselves from Biden, especially since Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has hesitated to make such moves.
“There’s no control of House Democrats,” said the strategist, who requested 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 Pelosi's private pressure builds, here's a summary of where her California allies stand publicly:
Adam Schiff
What he’s said: Schiff made a statement on Wednesday seen as a signal for other House Democrats to speak out. Citing the stakes the election poses, Schiff remarked: “A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy.” The New York Times reported that Schiff indicated at a fundraiser that Biden's presence could jeopardize Democrats' chances of flipping the House.
Relationship with Pelosi: Schiff has been one of Pelosi’s most trusted associates, leading congressional investigations into Trump and chairing the House Intelligence Committee under her leadership. Pelosi's endorsement in the Senate race bolstered Schiff’s campaign against Democratic opponents Rep. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee.
Neither Pelosi’s office nor Schiff’s commented on whether he consulted with her before making his remarks about Biden on Wednesday.
Jared Huffman
What he’s said: Huffman circulated a draft letter advocating for a delay in Biden’s nomination. On Wednesday, he noted the DNC’s agreement to postpone a vote until at least August 1, providing additional time for potential changes. “This buys time. There is still time for a course correction,” Huffman said, though he stopped short of calling for Biden to step down, expressing concern over Biden’s response to weak polling.
Relationship with Pelosi: Representing neighboring districts in the Bay Area, Huffman and Pelosi have collaborated on regional legislation. After Pelosi made comments about Biden’s mental fitness post-debate, Huffman remarked that members paid close attention to her carefully chosen words.
Zoe Lofgren
What she’s said: Lofgren declined to comment on Biden’s status or private discussions. During a private Democratic Caucus meeting, she expressed concerns that Biden might struggle to win unless he changes strategy to reassure voters.
Relationship with Pelosi: As one of Pelosi’s longest-serving colleagues from the Bay Area, Lofgren has held several leadership roles entrusted to her by Pelosi, including chair of the Committee on House Administration and impeachment manager during Trump’s first trial.
Mark Takano
What he’s said: During a recent closed-door caucus meeting, Takano was among four prominent House Democrats, including three other Pelosi allies, calling for Biden to step down. Takano did not provide public comments afterward.
Relationship with Pelosi: Takano has frequently acknowledged Pelosi's early support and mentorship in shaping his political career. She appointed him chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee during her tenure as speaker.
Mike Levin
What he’s said: Levin, representing a battleground district, was one of the first House Democrats to call for Biden’s exit, highlighting the concern within the party about the president’s unpopularity affecting swing seats. Levin stated, “It is time to move forward. With a new leader. Together.” He also directly urged Biden to step down during a conversation with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Relationship with Pelosi: Levin, facing a challenging reelection in a competitive district, received significant fundraising support from Pelosi in 2018 to help flip the seat, contributing to the Democratic gains in suburban areas of Orange and San Diego counties.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
The former House speaker also intimated that Democratic lawmakers could increasingly voice their dissatisfaction with Biden's political vulnerabilities, according to two individuals close to her.
This week, there have been notable public calls for Biden to step aside, including from Rep. Adam Schiff. Many of the House Democrats exerting pressure on the president are closely connected to Pelosi.
A prominent California Democratic strategist suggested that Pelosi is allowing members to publicly distance themselves from Biden, especially since Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has hesitated to make such moves.
“There’s no control of House Democrats,” said the strategist, who requested 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 Pelosi's private pressure builds, here's a summary of where her California allies stand publicly:
Adam Schiff
What he’s said: Schiff made a statement on Wednesday seen as a signal for other House Democrats to speak out. Citing the stakes the election poses, Schiff remarked: “A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy.” The New York Times reported that Schiff indicated at a fundraiser that Biden's presence could jeopardize Democrats' chances of flipping the House.
Relationship with Pelosi: Schiff has been one of Pelosi’s most trusted associates, leading congressional investigations into Trump and chairing the House Intelligence Committee under her leadership. Pelosi's endorsement in the Senate race bolstered Schiff’s campaign against Democratic opponents Rep. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee.
Neither Pelosi’s office nor Schiff’s commented on whether he consulted with her before making his remarks about Biden on Wednesday.
Jared Huffman
What he’s said: Huffman circulated a draft letter advocating for a delay in Biden’s nomination. On Wednesday, he noted the DNC’s agreement to postpone a vote until at least August 1, providing additional time for potential changes. “This buys time. There is still time for a course correction,” Huffman said, though he stopped short of calling for Biden to step down, expressing concern over Biden’s response to weak polling.
Relationship with Pelosi: Representing neighboring districts in the Bay Area, Huffman and Pelosi have collaborated on regional legislation. After Pelosi made comments about Biden’s mental fitness post-debate, Huffman remarked that members paid close attention to her carefully chosen words.
Zoe Lofgren
What she’s said: Lofgren declined to comment on Biden’s status or private discussions. During a private Democratic Caucus meeting, she expressed concerns that Biden might struggle to win unless he changes strategy to reassure voters.
Relationship with Pelosi: As one of Pelosi’s longest-serving colleagues from the Bay Area, Lofgren has held several leadership roles entrusted to her by Pelosi, including chair of the Committee on House Administration and impeachment manager during Trump’s first trial.
Mark Takano
What he’s said: During a recent closed-door caucus meeting, Takano was among four prominent House Democrats, including three other Pelosi allies, calling for Biden to step down. Takano did not provide public comments afterward.
Relationship with Pelosi: Takano has frequently acknowledged Pelosi's early support and mentorship in shaping his political career. She appointed him chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee during her tenure as speaker.
Mike Levin
What he’s said: Levin, representing a battleground district, was one of the first House Democrats to call for Biden’s exit, highlighting the concern within the party about the president’s unpopularity affecting swing seats. Levin stated, “It is time to move forward. With a new leader. Together.” He also directly urged Biden to step down during a conversation with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Relationship with Pelosi: Levin, facing a challenging reelection in a competitive district, received significant fundraising support from Pelosi in 2018 to help flip the seat, contributing to the Democratic gains in suburban areas of Orange and San Diego counties.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
