Stacey Abrams endorses Barbara Lee in California Senate race to replace Dianne Feinstein

Mabinty Quarshie

May 08, 01:17 PM May 08, 01:17 PM

Stacey Abrams, former Democratic candidate for governor in Georgia, endorsed Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) on Monday, in the heated race to replace retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

Lee is in a three-way race to replace Feinstein, 89, who is not seeking another term but has faced renewed calls to resign due to health-related complications. Reps. Katie Porter (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) are also in the race to become California's next senator, in what could be the fiercest Democratic primary of the 2024 cycle.

REP. BARBARA LEE ANNOUNCES RUN FOR FEINSTEIN'S CALIFORNIA SENATE SEAT

"Honored to be endorsed by the barrier-breaking and inspiring @staceyabrams," Lee tweeted. "Stacey has been instrumental in moving the needle for progress in our country, and I am thrilled to have her support as our team works to bring that same spirit of progress to California, delivering real change and turning progressive policy into law in the U.S. Senate. I'm so grateful to have you on my team, Stacey!"

Schiff, who former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has endorsed, led his rivals in fundraising during the first quarter. Schiff brought in $6.5 million in April, while Porter's campaign raised $4.5 million, and Lee brought in more than $1.4 million.

Abrams isn't the only well-known Democrat to endorse Lee. Last week Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), a top Pelosi lieutenant, endorsed the California Democrat calling her, "the voice Americans need now in the U.S. Senate." Lee also scored an endorsement from the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA). "Barbara is a champion for justice who has been a persistent progressive voice in the U.S. House," Jayapal said of Lee.

Jayapal's endorsement is also notable since both Porter and Lee are members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Lee has served in the House of Representatives since 1998 and is also a former chairwoman of the CPC and the Congressional Black Caucus.

Feinstein has faced public calls to resign from the Senate following a prolonged absence from Congress that has delayed President Joe Biden’s judicial nominations and led to Democratic lawmakers voicing their frustrations.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) have all urged the California senator to step down from Congress. Last week, Feinstein announced she was “confident” she would return to the Senate but did not give a specific date.