Pelosi Endorses Kennedy Over Markey, Touting Congressman's 'Courage And Leadership'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is endorsing U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy in his Democratic primary challenge to Sen. Ed Markey.

Pelosi's backing helps strengthen one of the congressman's core arguments. Kennedy agrees with Markey on most issues, but says he'll fight harder for their shared causes. As evidence, he often points to his work as a fundraiser and surrogate for fellow Democrats.

Pelosi praises Kennedy for those efforts in her video endorsement.

"In 2018, when we took back the House, Joe campaigned across America to make that victory possible," Pelosi says. "He knows that to achieve progressive change, you must be on the front lines, leading movements of people."

In debates, Kennedy has repeatedly knocked Markey for not campaigning outside Massachusetts in 2018.

Pelosi is siding with Kennedy, despite having served alongside Markey in the House for more than two decades.

In a statement, Markey called Pelosi "a tremendous, effective leader who has shattered glass ceilings throughout her career." He added that "any candidate would be proud to have her endorsement, and I congratulate Congressman Kennedy on securing her support."

Polls show Kennedy and Markey in a dead heat, with their Sept. 1 primary fast approaching.