Pelosi supports open primary instead of immediate Harris nomination if Biden drops out of race: report

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has reportedly said she would support an open primary if President Joe Biden steps down from the presidential race, rather than having the nomination automatically go to Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a closed-door meeting earlier this month, a small group of members from California’s delegation discussed the Democratic Party’s current state. Concerns were raised about Biden’s significant polling deficit behind former President Donald Trump and his resistance to calls within his own party to step aside in favor of a more viable candidate, according to a report by Politico.



Pelosi expressed her belief during the meeting that Biden might not secure a win based on current polling data. She has reportedly communicated this concern directly to Biden. Pelosi also believes that Biden’s continued presence on the ticket could cost the Democrats their chance of winning back the House.

Regarding the scenario of Biden stepping down, Pelosi advocated for an open primary, allowing multiple candidates to compete for the presidential nomination. She believes this process could also strengthen Harris’ chances in the general election if she ultimately secures the nomination.

Pelosi’s stance is informed by polling data indicating that several Democratic governors and senators, who have been less in the spotlight, might perform better in a general election against Trump. While some Democrats support the idea of an open primary as a means to invigorate the party, others worry about the optics of bypassing Kamala Harris, the first black female vice president.

Pelosi’s support for an open primary has been echoed publicly by California Representative Zoe Lofgren. “Should he make that decision, there will have to be quick steps,” Ms. Lofgren told MSNBC. “Kind of a mini-primary, maybe a vetting hosted by former presidents, including Obama and Clinton, would be helpful.”