Buttigieg picks up third congressional endorsement from New York lawmaker

Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.) endorsed Pete Buttigieg (D) Tuesday in the Democratic presidential primary race, giving the South Bend, Ind., mayor his third congressional endorsement. 

Rice, who had previously backed former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D) before he dropped out of the 2020 race, called Buttigieg a strong candidate to take on President Trump and unite the country after Trump is out. 

{mosads}”Pete has demonstrated an unmatched ability and willingness to reach voters from across the political spectrum. He has introduced bold, yet commonsense policies that will address both our nation’s long- and short-term challenges, and has avoided the divisive rhetoric that too often derails these important conversations,” Rice said in a statement shared by the Buttigieg campaign.

“Pete represents the new voice and fresh perspective that our party and our country needs right now, and I’m proud to endorse him,” she continued. 

The Long Island congresswoman, who represents portions of Nassau County, is Buttigieg’s second congressional endorsement in two days. 

Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.) announced his endorsement of the mayor Monday. 

Rice had made a similar argument for needing a “new voice and fresh perspective” in the party when she didn’t back Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) last year for the top House position. 

Buttigieg’s first congressional endorsement was from Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), who backed the mayor in April, saying he is “similarly inspired” by Buttigieg as he was former President Obama.