Kamala Harris secures Nancy Pelosi's endorsement for US presidential race

United States Representative and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party nominee for the 2024 Presidential race. Pelosi had remained silent on Harris's candidacy since President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid and suggested Harris's name for the race on Sunday, despite major Democratic heavyweights immediately rallying behind the Vice President.

Pelosi, in a statement, said she was lending her “enthusiastic support” to Harris' effort to lead the party. Pelosi played a key role in persuading Joe Biden to quit the presidential race amid concerns over his ability to beat Republican Donald Trump.

"Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our country's future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. My enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for President is official, personal and political," Pelosi, an influential voice in the Democratic Party said.

The former speaker further said that she has seen Kamala Harris's "strength and courage as a champion for working families, notably fighting for a woman's right to choose."

"Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith and a commitment to public service. Politically, make no mistake: Kamala Harris as a woman in politics is brilliantly astute and I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November," Pelosi said in her statement.

Joe Biden, 81, announced on Sunday that he is ending his re-election bid amid calls for his exit following his dismal performance against Trump in a presidential debate. The US president said he was quitting the race in the best interest of the party and the country.

Commenting on Biden's decision, Pelosi said, "America has been truly blessed by the wisdom and leadership of President Joe Biden. With love and gratitude, I salute President Biden for always believing in the possibilities of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfilment. As one of our country's most consequential presidents, President Biden has been not only on the right side of history, but on the right side of the future".

She added that "