Sanders-linked group endorses downballot Dems

The nonprofit birthed out of Sen. Bernie Sanders’s presidential bid is backing a handful of progressive state-level candidates as well as one U.S. House candidate. 

{mosads}The group is the Vermont Independent’s attempt to continue to flex his political muscle after a surprisingly competitive campaign in the Democratic primary. While he’s not officially a part of it, the group is helmed by his wife and several Sanders staffers.

The group, Our Revolution, announced the seven endorsements Wednesday — five state representative candidates, one secretary of state candidate and Thomas Nelson, running for the U.S. House in Wisconsin. 

Nelson is running for the seat being vacated by retiring Rep. Reid Ribble (R). 

The group’s other endorsements include state legislature candidates Wenona Benally (Ariz.), Owen Carver (Nev.), Chris Rabb (Penn.), Marcia Ranglin-Vassell (R.I.) and Jason Ritchie (Wash.). 

Oregon secretary of state candidate Brad Avakian also won an endorsement. All of the Our Revolution-backed candidates are running as Democrats.

“We must continue to work towards electing local leaders who will work tirelessly for social and economic justice,”said Shannon Jackson, the group’s executive director.

“These candidates are dedicated to fighting for under-served communities and committed to advancing policies that would give their constituents access to universal health care, a free college education and a livable minimum wage. They embody the progressive values that fueled the political revolution and we are honored to give them our support.”

The group launched late last month by endorsing 63 candidates, including many who backed Sanders’s campaign. But it has had its share of bumps in the road, including an exodus of staffers in the days before the launch. 

Sanders himself also endorsed four Democratic senate hopefuls in tight races — Katie McGinty (Pa.), Maggie Hassan (N.H.), Ted Strickland (Ohio) and Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.) — but the group has not officially endorsed any of those candidates.