Booker wins 2020 endorsement of every New Jersey Democrat in Congress

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who announced his 2020 presidential bid earlier this month, is shoring up support in his home state with the endorsements of more than 50 other New Jersey Democrats.

New Jersey’s governor, lieutenant governor, senior senator, every Democratic member of the House, leaders of both state legislative chambers all four Democratic county executives, the Newark mayor and more are endorsing his campaign, Booker said in a statement.

{mosads}“I’m honored to have the endorsement of so many great New Jersey Democratic leaders — people I’ve been proudly working alongside as a member of the Newark city council, as mayor, and as Senator. New Jerseyans are fortunate to have these Democratic leaders standing up for them, and I’m grateful to have their support on our campaign to reignite our country’s sense of common purpose to build a more fair and just nation for everyone,” Booker said.

Gov. Phil Murphy (D) cast Booker as an effective alternative to President Trump who would be able to unite the country.

“We need a president who will lift us up and bring us together, instead of knocking us down and sowing division. We need a president who runs to find solutions to the problems that others ignore. We need a president who recognizes the inherent value found in every corner of our country, in every American, and those who have come here for a better life. We need a president with bold vision and an even bolder optimism,” he said. 

No other 2020 candidate in the crowded Democratic primary field has locked up so much support from their home-state delegation. The large field, which contains a diverse group of candidates across the ideological spectrum, has discouraged some politicians from issuing endorsements until the pack thins out more.

Other 2020 Democrats have garnered endorsements from home-state politicians, though not at such a large scale as Booker.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was endorsed by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D) and Rep. Peter Welch (D), though the state’s Republican governor withheld his approval. 

Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) have all either gotten the endorsement of their respective state’s governor or fellow senator, but have so far been unable to lock down the support of their state’s entire Democratic congressional delegation.