Ocasio-Cortez backed Bowman, a middle school principal, in a series of tweets, saying the current crises upending the nation “requires renewed and revitalized leadership.” Ocasio-Cortez rose to prominence in 2018 after knocking off another longtime New York Democrat, then-Rep. Joseph Crowley, in a shocking primary upset.

Engel became embroiled in controversy this week after he was overheard at a local event on unrest over police brutality saying that he only sought speaking time because of his upcoming primary fight against Bowman.

“If I didn't have a primary, I wouldn’t care,” Engel is heard telling a local official on footage from a local TV station.

The “hot mic” gaffe has emboldened Bowman, who raised over $100,000 the day the recording went viral. The two squared off in a debate, along with Engel’s other primary challengers, that night.

Engel has also faced criticism for staying in his Washington-area home as the coronavirus pandemic ravages his district — one of the hardest-hit areas in the country and ground zero for the outbreak in New York.

A report in the Atlantic recently revealed the New York Democrat was presenting himself as appearing at events in his district on social media, despite remaining in Washington, at a time when the coronavirus crisis was pummeling his district.

Pelosi didn’t weigh in on the controversies Thursday surrounding Engel when asked about the primary, instead choosing to tout his seniority as an asset to voters in his district that would vanish if he loses. Engel has represented New York since 1989.

“Chairman Engel is the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. He also has unique privilege, which is unique and it wouldn’t happen again ... he is also not only the chairman of Foreign Affairs, he is a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee,” Pelosi said.

“That wouldn’t happen again — that’s a lot of power,” she added.

Many senior Democrats have rallied behind Engel, who recently received an endorsement from the Congressional Black Caucus, which has stressed seniority over upstart left challengers. Some progressives have criticized the CBC for backing Engel over Bowman, who is African American.

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee, said he firmly stood behind Engel and that the “hot mic” moment was “tiny in comparison to his long record in Congress.”

“I think Mr. Engel should be judged on his record, which has been stellar. He’s the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, which has been substantial,” Meeks said in an interview, noting that Engel has worked closely to advocate on behalf of the CBC on certain issues.

“Ultimately, I believe that’s what people are gonna look at.”