Emanuel Cleaver’s Chiefs or Nancy Pelosi’s 49ers? Here’s the lawmakers’ Super Bowl bets

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver plans on getting some chocolate from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi should the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl.

Cleaver and Pelosi, both Democrats, on Friday announced a friendly wager over Sunday’s game between the Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. Pelosi, who has represented San Francisco since 1987, promised that she would give Cleaver See’s Candies and Ghirardelli Chocolate.

“Just as you never bet against the American people, I’ve been saying for years that you should never bet against Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Andy Reid, and the rest of the Chiefs.” Cleaver said.

Cleaver wagered Kansas City barbecue from Gates. He said he’s hoping for a repeat of the 2020 Super Bowl where the Chiefs beat the 49ers. Pelosi talked up the 49ers chances in a statement announcing the bet.

“On Sunday night, San Francisco will hoist the Lombardi Trophy in Vegas – and soon after, my office will savor some Kansas City victory barbecue, courtesy of Congressman Cleaver,” Pelosi said.

Should the Chiefs win, Cleaver may get double the chocolate. Earlier this week, Cleaver announced a bet over the game with Ro Khanna, a Silicon Valley Democrat.

While Cleaver will be able to watch the game in Kansas City, the Kansas and Missouri senators may have to watch from the Capitol because of a Senate vote on a military aid package to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, said he doesn’t mind watching alone and that the Chiefs will win because of their secret weapon “Tay Tay” — Taylor Swift.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, plans to be at the game in Las Vegas. His office said Friday that he will exchange gifts with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, ahead of the game. Parson is predicting a 34-28 Chiefs victory.

Parson’s office said the encounter would presumably include “friendly banter over whose state has the better football team.” Both governors also plan to exchange signed Super Bowl memorabilia to be auctioned off for charity.

Parson and first lady Teresa Parson both privately purchased their Super Bowl tickets, his office said, adding that there will be no cost to taxpayers beyond the governor’s standard security detail.

On Friday, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, also got into the Chiefs spirit.

Kelly, decked out in a Chiefs jacket and shoes, gathered her staff in the Kansas Capitol to declare the day “Red Friday” as excitement built for the game. She read and signed a proclamation in front of a statue of aviator Amelia Earhart adorned with a Chief’s scarf.

Kelly refused to offer a prediction for Sunday’s game.

“I don’t want to jinx it,” she said.

The Star’s Jonathan Shorman and Katie Bernard contributed reporting