The following news is from Cory Booker 2020’s Director of State Communications Julie McClain Downey regarding his first endorsement by a Virginia elected official (Del. Jay Jones of Norfolk). Downey informs me, by the way, that Booker plans to be making a trip to Virginia “in the coming weeks.” Good, as we definitely can use all the help we can get in winning back the State Senate and House of Delegates on November 5!
“Delegate Jay Jones is publicly endorsing Cory Booker for president today. Delegate Jones represents the 89th District in the VA House of Delegates, of which he is a lifelong resident. Jay comes from a family dedicated to service: his grandfather was a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement, and his father served 8 terms in the House as well. Jay serves as a member of the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Virginia and several other non-profits.”
According to Del. Jones, he is endorsing Senator Cory Booker for president “…ahead of Thursday’s debate–the first opportunity that the country will have to see the narrowed field of candidates all on one stage because:
“I ran for office in 2017 in part because of a desire to push back on the divisiveness and hate espoused by Donald Trump. After eight years of strong leadership, good governance, and shared prosperity under Barack Obama, we have fallen off course in the United States under this current president. I feel strongly that we that we are at crossroads in our shared American journey. To solve these seemingly endless problems and allow our citizens the reach their full potential, I believe America needs which bold leadership that inspires citizens from Norfolk to Des Moines, Nashua, Charleston, and beyond.
“Senator Cory Booker’s work as a mayor and in the Senate has proven time and time again that he has the backbone to stand up for those who need, and I know that his work will benefit all Americans if he is our next president. Cory is a leader who embraces diversity, energizes new voters, supports our inalienable rights, has a plan to tackle the climate crisis, and promotes justice for all. I deeply believe that Cory is best qualified for this undertaking and will provide the type of leadership this country needs to move forward.”
So which other 2020 Democratic candidates have been endorsed by Virginia elected officials? Here are a few (and there only seem to be a few, so far at least) that I was able to find. There might very well be more, so let me know in the comments section and I’ll add them. Thanks.
Joe Biden: Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA04)
Kamala Harris: State Senator Scott Surovell; Delegate Charniele Herring, Virginia House Democratic Caucus Chair; Delegate Lashcrese Aird; Justin Wilson, Mayor of Alexandria; Barbara Kanninen, Arlington School Board; Stephanie Morales, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Portsmouth
Pete Buttigieg: Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08), State Senator Adam Ebbin, Del. Mark Keam and Norfolk City Councilwoman Andria McClellan.
Sign up for the Blue Virginia weekly newsletter
