Warren taking Haitian-American politician to State of the Union

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) on Monday announced that she will bring a Haitian-American local official as her guest to this week’s State of the Union address. 

Warren’s office said Jean Bradley Derenoncourt, councilor-at-large for the Brockton City Council, was the first Haitian-American man to win election to a public office in Massachusetts.

“I’m honored that Jean Bradley will be my guest for the State of the Union. His story embodies American values of hard work, service, and persistence,” Warren said in a statement.

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“After the earthquake tore through Haiti, Jean Bradley didn’t lose hope. Brockton became his home — and he dedicated himself to fighting for a Massachusetts that works for everybody.”

Warren’s decision to bring Derenoncourt follows a public controversy earlier this month following President Trump’s alleged use of the phrase “shithole countries” to describe El Salvador, Haiti and African nations. The comments prompted Warren to call the president a “racist bully.”

The president’s reported remark received widespread criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.

Derenoncourt said in a statement that he feels “proud and privileged” to be the first Haitian-American man to win a public election in Massachusetts.

“So much of my inspiration has come from Senator Warren, whose work, spirit, and rigorous dedication has served as a model for public service. I am honored to be her guest at the State of the Union address,” he said.

Derenoncourt won a seat on Brockton’s City Council in November, according to The Enterprise.