Jayapal backs Lee in California Senate race

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) waded into the California Senate race on Monday, endorsing Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) within the contest for Sen. Diane Feinstein’s (D-Calif.) seat.

“Barbara is a champion for justice who has been a persistent progressive voice within the U.S. Home, and I do know she’ll combat for our shared progressive values within the U.S. Senate,” Jayapal mentioned in a press release. 

“As a girl of shade, I do know illustration issues and I’m excited for Barbara to carry her voice and her lived expertise as a Black girl to the chamber so all of us can have a seat on the desk. I’m proud to endorse Barbara Lee for U.S. Senate,” she added.

Lee is operating towards a number of different high-profile Democrats to switch the outgoing Feinstein, 89, who introduced in February that she wouldn’t be searching for reelection. Reps. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) are additionally operating for the seat.

“I’m so grateful to have earned the belief and help of Congresswoman Jayapal,” Lee mentioned in her personal assertion. 

“She is among the strongest voices for justice in Congress and it’s been my honor to combat alongside her for a extra progressive future for all. I’m operating this marketing campaign to carry this combat to the U.S. Senate and on Day One, I’m prepared to make use of my expertise and report of outcomes to maneuver California and our nation ahead.”

Although the progressive wing makes up a smaller cohort of the Democratic Social gathering, their endorsements might be closely watched given California’s Democratic leanings. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has already backed Porter, who’s a former pupil of the senator’s.

In the meantime, the extra reasonable Schiff has seen endorsements from extra mainstream Democrats reminiscent of former Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). 

The seat is nearly sure to stay inside Democratic management and the California Senate main is about subsequent 12 months for March 5.