Pelosi Emphasizes New York as Key to Retaking House Majority

Nancy Pelosi, while no longer officially leading the Democratic Party, remains deeply engaged in the fight to retake the House. She believes New York’s battleground seats are crucial to this effort and is focusing her energy on ensuring Democratic victories there.

Lead Art: “What’s going to be hard is just keep everybody focused on winning the election, because there’s so much euphoria. But there’s nothing automatic here,” Rep. Nancy Pelosi said. | Rod Lamkey Jr. for POLITICO

Pelosi’s Focus on New York

Nancy Pelosi, a prominent California Democrat, believes that the path to a House majority runs through New York. Despite her strong ties to California, Pelosi has turned her attention to the Empire State, focusing on key battleground seats. She has been in close communication with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries about the importance of New York in the upcoming elections.

Reflecting on Past Losses

Pelosi pointed to New York as a key reason why Democrats lost control of the House two years ago. The party suffered several defeats in competitive races, including the loss of then-campaign Chair Sean Patrick Maloney in the Hudson Valley. Pelosi attributed some of these losses to the weaker-than-expected performance of Governor Kathy Hochul, whose close election in 2022 may have negatively impacted other Democrats on the ticket.

Maintaining Focus Amid Euphoria

While Democrats are energized by recent developments, Pelosi warned against complacency. She stressed the importance of staying focused on the task at hand—winning the upcoming elections. Pelosi shared her political mantras, emphasizing the need for constant effort and no regrets after the election.

Pelosi’s Future and Legacy

At 84, Pelosi brushed off questions about her political future, including potential retirement in 2026. She remained focused on the upcoming elections, avoiding speculation about her daughter Christine Pelosi’s potential candidacy for her seat. Pelosi also humorously mentioned possible post-House careers, including stand-up comedy and dessert consulting.

Confidence in Kamala Harris

Pelosi expressed confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris, predicting that she will not only become the first female president but will govern effectively. Pelosi highlighted the frequent underestimation of women in politics, a sentiment she believes works to the detriment of those who underestimate them.

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