Rep. Charles Booker announced on Monday that he is forming an campaign exploratory committee as he considers running for U.S. Senate in 2020. He also announced a rally on Tuesday, November 12, at 1:30 PM at the Port Shaw Community Center, 3713 West Market Street in Louisville.
His launch video was shared via Twitter:
Today, I announced that I’m seriously considering running for the U.S. Senate.
This is a movement of folks coming together to say we won’t be lied to or ignored by politicians anymore. We’re going to talk about our dreams again. pic.twitter.com/UMc3ieUomc
— Charles Booker (@Booker4KY) November 11, 2019
Here is his press release:
On Monday, Kentucky State Representative Charles Booker announced his intent to explore a potential run for U.S. Senate against Mitch McConnell. Born and raised in the west end of Louisville, Charles has spent his career fighting for everyday Kentuckians, working at every level of government. In 2018, Charles was elected to the Kentucky State House of Representatives becoming the youngest black state legislator in 90 years. During his time in office, Charles has championed gun reform, voting rights, labor laws, and criminal justice, and passed bipartisan legislation to help Kentuckians get insulin in emergency situations.
“Since we sent Mitch McConnell to Washington, he’s become one of the richest politicians in America — but Kentucky has been left behind. The more power Mitch McConnell has gained in DC, the more we’ve lost here at home,” said Charles Booker. “But really, this isn’t about McConnell. This is bigger than any one person. This is bigger than party or politics. This isn’t the start of a campaign. This is the beginning of a movement. A movement of the people taking on the powerful. A movement of Kentuckians whose voices haven’t been heard.”
While other politicians just talk about struggle, Charles Booker has lived it. A lifelong Kentuckian, Charles grew up in one of the poorest zip codes in the state. Both of his parents had to drop out of high school to take care of their brothers and sisters, and his mom often went without eating so he wouldn’t have to. As a diabetic paying as much as $1,000 a month for insulin, he also knows firsthand the healthcare crisis facing our country. A graduate from the University of Louisville, Charles was faced with the stark reality of student debt, as he and his wife struggle to pay off their own loans before it’s time to pay for the education of their two daughters.
“For too long, big money has corrupted and distorted our politics — but we’re going to show that money can’t replace the power of people,” said Charles. “We’re going to show that Kentucky is not for sale. I’m here today to tell you that no matter where you’re from, or how much you have in your bank account – your voice matters. Because we know, deep down, that we are truly all in this together.”
Charles also announced that he will be traveling across the state, meeting with Kentuckians, talking about real issues, and listening to their concerns as he decides about a run for Senate. Signaling the start of a bold, unapologetic populist movement, Charles will be running on ideas like a Green New Deal, Medicare for All, breaking the cycle of generational poverty, giving workers the dignity of a living wage, and taxing billionaires. A steadfast ally of organized labor, Charles will always fight to give workers the power to bargain for a fair share of the wealth they create.
–30–