Kansas City area lawmakers make Super Bowl wagers with California counterparts

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver feels good about the Kansas City Chiefs’ chances of winning Super Bowl LIV on Sunday.

So good, in fact, that the Democrat from Missouri agreed to “friendly wagers” with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Ro Khanna, who both represent California and will be rooting for the San Francisco 49ers.

Cleaver said in a news release that he wagered “a selection of world-famous Kansas City barbecue and Russell Stover chocolates.” Pelosi wagered California treats that include See’s Candies, Ghirardelli chocolates, walnuts and pistachios. Khanna offered a basket of Ghirardelli chocolates.

Cleaver — who represents Missouri's 5th District, including the Kansas City area — said he’s confident he will be enjoying those California treats by this time next week.

“The 49ers have proven to be an exceptional team this season, but they haven’t faced Patrick Mahomes, the Legion of Zoom, or the gritty Kansas City defense,” Cleaver said in a news release. “After 50 years of waiting, this Sunday we will see the Chiefs bring a Lombardi trophy back home to Chiefs Kingdom. As Kansas Citians celebrate in the streets, I look forward to enjoying some of California’s most delicious treats, courtesy of Speaker Pelosi and Congressman Khanna.”

But Pelosi has faith in her team as well, saying she looks forward to some KC barbecue.

“The Chiefs are an outstanding team, but nothing matches the spirit, talent and heart that our incredible San Francisco 49ers bring to the field every game,” she said in the release. “The only thing I’ll savor more than Kansas City’s famous BBQ is watching the 49ers become Super Bowl Champions!"

Cleaver and Pelosi made a similar bet ahead of the World Series in 2014. That year, Cleaver had to pay up after the San Francisco Giants beat the Kansas City Royals in a seven-game series.

Pelosi was rewarded with a platter from Gates BBQ.

U.S. Rep. Sharice David, a Kansas Democrat, entered into a similar bet with U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, for barbecue and chocolate. But this one came with a video: