In August, Former President Barack Obama endorsed 81 Democrats running in federal and local races across the U.S. Monday, he released a list of over 200 additional Democrats he's giving a presidential cosign to.
Today, I’m proud to endorse even more Democratic candidates who aren’t just running against something, but for something—to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore dignity, honor, and compassion to public service. They deserve your vote: pic.twitter.com/NO5jnhX3XD
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 1, 2018
The candidates are listed according to the state they hope to represent; the list was accompanied by a statement in which Obama justified his choices.
“The Democratic Party has always made the biggest difference in the lives of the American people when we lead with conviction, principle, and bold, new ideas. Our incredible array of candidates up and down the ticket, all across the country, make up a movement of citizens who are younger, more diverse, more female than ever before.” Obama wrote, according to The Hill.
Obama's first list of endorsements failed to include many younger, more progressive candidates. With his second list, he's amended that, giving his backing to people like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the young progressive House candidate who defeated New York's Representative Joseph Crowley in June.
“They’re Americans who aren’t just running against something, but for something. They’re running to expand opportunity and restore the honor and compassion that should be the essence of public service. I’m proud to endorse so many of them today, and I’m eager to continue making the case for why they deserve our votes this November.”
A few prominent black candidates made the cut, Politico notes, including gubernatorial candidates Andrew Gillum of Florida and Ben Jealous of Maryland. If elected, they would each be the first black governors in the respective states. Massachusetts House candidate Ayanna Pressley also received a nod.
Gillum and Jealous thanked Obama for their cosigns on Twitter.
It's truly an honor to receive the endorsement of @BarackObama. Progress is on the ballot. Hope is on the ballot. A brighter future for Florida is on the ballot. Let's #BringItHome! pic.twitter.com/rQehB0PABI
— Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) October 1, 2018
Proud to be endorsed by @BarackObama! pic.twitter.com/25wtlLgw1p
— Ben Jealous (@BenJealous) October 1, 2018
Now, check these out:
Black On The Ballot: 10 Women So Dope, Even Obama Had To Back Them
Black Lives Rising: Why The Black Vote Is Important For The 2018 Midterm Elections
