The House’s top Democrat, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, endorsed Hillary Clinton Tuesday, shortly after Clinton locked up the Democratic nomination and as voters head to the polls in Pelosi’s home state.
“I’m a voter in California and I have voted for Hillary Clinton for president of the United States and I’m proud to endorse her for that position. But I hasten to say that it’s not over until it’s over,” Pelosi, who represents San Francisco in Congress, told ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
CNN called the Democratic race for Clinton Monday after determining that Clinton had secured enough superdelegates to win the Democratic nomination next month. Clinton herself hesitated to declare victory just yet, looking for a strong final showing in California and the other states voting Tuesday.
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 14: Democratic U.S. presidential hopeful and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) and House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (R) speak to members of the media July 14, 2015 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Clinton is visiting the Hill today and she had a meeting with the House Democratic Caucus earlier in the morning. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Pelosi was one of just a handful of prominent Democrats who declined to endorse Clinton during the primary battle — saying as recently as a few days ago that she was not ready to endorse — although she often praised Clinton throughout the campaign and was expected to endorse her. President Barack Obama is expected to endorse Clinton this week as party leaders look to unify against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump ahead of the November general election.
Sanders refused to concede Monday night, with a sharp statement from his campaign saying he was not leaving yet. Pelosi said Tuesday she understood why Sanders was staying in and fighting.
“Bernie knows better than anyone what’s on the line in the election and that we at some point have to unify as we go forward. He wants to influence the platform. I think that’s fine,” Pelosi said.
