Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed two Democratic congressional candidates on Wednesday, backing former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn in Maryland's 5th Congressional District and former Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe in Virginia's 7th Congressional District.

Dunn is seeking to succeed retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer in Maryland's 5th District. The former Capitol Police officer previously defended Pelosi's office during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. This marks Dunn's second congressional campaign after an unsuccessful previous bid for office.

Meanwhile, McAuliffe launched her congressional campaign on Wednesday for Virginia's 7th District seat. She is the wife of former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and served as a State Department official during the Biden administration.

Pelosi praised McAuliffe's background, stating that she "has spent her life fighting for children," though the full context of the endorsement statement was not detailed in the available information.

Both endorsements come as Democratic primary races take shape across the country ahead of the 2024 elections. Pelosi's support carries significant weight within Democratic circles, given her long tenure as House Speaker and continued influence within the party.