The support of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) played a major role in Rep. Adam Schiff’s (D-CA) victory in California’s Senate primary on Tuesday. 

While Schiff’s name had already been in the spotlight for spearheading impeachment efforts against former President Donald Trump following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and for raising $32 million in campaign funds, it appears another prominent political figure could have had something to do with his Super Tuesday success. 

Even though Pelosi retired from House leadership in 2022, her endorsement of Schiff last year ahead of his 2024 Senate bid shows her influence in the political landscape remains powerful. Her blessing cleared a path for Schiff to assume the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat, even though some members of the Democratic Party preferred a woman for the role.  

“That meant an incalculable amount in shifting the race,” Kyle Layman, director of Standing Strong, the pro-Schiff super PAC, told Politico. “That, as a first mover, gave the signal to everybody watching.” 

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Another Democratic donor told the San Francisco Chronicle that Pelosi’s support of the Southern California congressman was his “Willy Wonka Ticket” in defeating his two female rivals, Reps. Katie Porter (D-CA) and Barbara Lee (D-CA). 

Schiff was declared the winner on Tuesday when the Associated Press called the race after 31 minutes. Now, Schiff is expected to cruise to victory in 2024 against Republican rival and former baseball star Steve Garvey.