California Democrat Rep. Nancy Pelosi has voiced her displeasure regarding the potential impact of a significant third-party push on the 2024 presidential election. At a breakfast hosted by Third Way, a Democratic-centrist organization that opposes No Labels, Pelosi criticized the latter, stating, “No Labels is perilous to our democracy. I hesitate to say No Labels because they do have labels. They’re called no taxes for the rich, no child tax credit for children. They’re called let’s undo the Affordable Care Act.”

Pelosi’s remarks come as No Labels gains ballot access in twelve states for November 2024. The organization’s status as a potential dark money group has been questioned by MoveOn, a far-left group.

Pelosi, who previously ignored No Labels, expressed a change in approach, stating, “When they jeopardize the reelection of Joe Biden as president of the United States, I can no longer remain silent on that.”

Former Maryland governor and No Labels co-chair, Larry Hogan, responded to Pelosi’s comments, calling it “disheartening to see Nancy Pelosi literally make things up about No Labels to score political points.” He asserted that Pelosi attributed roles to No Labels that they have never held.

No Labels is seeking access to the national ballot with the aim of forming a unity ticket featuring a Republican and a Democrat as leaders. The organization has not disclosed the individuals who would lead such a ticket, as it operates as a nonprofit exempt from donor disclosure requirements.

A recent No Labels memo highlighted a growing desire for an independent or third-party candidate in this election cycle, citing low favorability ratings for both former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden. Pelosi contested this premise, predicting that voters will return to traditional party lines once Biden becomes more visible on the campaign trail.

Third Way President Jonathan Cowan acknowledged early interest in third-party candidates as an expression of dissatisfaction but expressed skepticism about No Labels and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. maintaining significant interest as the general election campaign unfolds.

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Pelosi and Third Way express concerns about No Labels, fearing that a moderately successful third-party candidate could amass enough electoral college votes to prevent either major party nominee from securing the required majority for the presidency. In this hypothetical situation, with Republicans holding more control in congressional delegations, they could determine the presidential election outcome by voting for the president.

While the likelihood of a third-party candidate receiving sufficient electoral college votes is low, the worry is that No Labels could potentially lead to the Republican nominee winning the presidency through congressional delegations.

Ryan Clancy, No Labels’ chief strategist, addressed these concerns in a CNN interview, affirming the organization’s readiness for such a scenario. However, he emphasized that No Labels would only present a ticket it believed had a viable chance of winning the election.

Pelosi and No Labels have a somewhat strained history, with the organization contemplating a primary challenge against Pelosi during the Trump administration and attempting to portray her as a divisive figure. Pelosi, who had remained silent on No Labels’ 2024 plans, has now joined a growing chorus of individuals and groups within the Democratic Party expressing heightened criticism of No Labels.