Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) has endorsed Saikat Chakrabarti in the race to succeed retiring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi in California's congressional district. The endorsement was announced on Friday.
Omar's Statement
“I’ve known Saikat for years and know he has the integrity, courage, and principles this moment demands,” Omar said. “He will fight for Medicare for All, getting big money out of politics, and fundamentally changing the system. He’s the only candidate in this race not beholden to corporations, the Israel lobby, or careerism. I look forward to working with him in Congress.”
Second Squad Endorsement
Omar is the second member of “The Squad” to endorse Chakrabarti, following Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), who endorsed him earlier this week. Chakrabarti previously served as campaign manager and chief of staff for Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
Chakrabarti's Response
“Honored to earn Rep. Ilhan Omar’s endorsement,” Chakrabarti said in a statement. “I first met her at a time when Trump was attacking her personally on a daily basis, and even then, I never saw her flinch once — Rep. Omar is fearless. She has the determination and resolve to fight for what is right against the greatest of odds, and she has taken huge personal risks in doing so.”
Race Dynamics
Ocasio-Cortez has not yet weighed in on the race. Meanwhile, Pelosi endorsed San Francisco lawmaker Connie Chan last week. Both Chakrabarti and Chan are considered progressives, and polls show them roughly tied and competing for second place in the primary against California State Senator Scott Wiener. The top two finishers will advance to a November runoff.
