This week, sixteen Democratic members of the Kentucky House, including the entire leadership team, have come out in support of Rep. Charles Booker in his campaign for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate seat held by Mitch McConnell.
Democratic floor leader Rep. Joni Jenkins, caucus chair Rep. Derrick Graham, and caucus whip Rep. Angie Hatton all released statements with their endorsements. In addition to the three members of the Democratic leadership, 13 other House members joined in the endorsement, including all members of the House Black Caucus.
In a statement, Booker commented about the endorsements:
“When you’ve done the work of fighting on the frontlines with Kentuckians, when you have shown the proven ability to build coalitions, pass legislation, and inspire a vision for every part of our Commonwealth, the people of Kentucky will stand with you. These endorsements are proof that my experience, conviction and years of bold leadership are exactly what leaders of Kentucky demand in a U.S. Senator. The choice in this primary is clear.”
Here are the statements from the leadership team:
Rep. Jenkins – “Today I am announcing my endorsement of Rep. Charles Booker in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Charles has always been unafraid to speak out and stand up for what he believes in. He has a deep understanding of how government works, and a deep conviction that government should function to help people. I’ll miss his courage, his humanity, and his policy expertise in the State House, but I’m truly excited to have Charles as an ally in the U.S. Senate.”
Rep. Graham – “I’m proud to announce my endorsement of Rep. Charles Booker in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Charles is a new type of leader. He’s young, bold and willing to take head-on the difficult issues affecting our country. He has the leadership qualities that we need in these trying times. I believe he is the best choice for Democrats in this primary, and the best chance we have to win a Senate seat in November.”
Rep. Hatton – “I am endorsing Rep. Charles Booker in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Charles is a courageous legislator with a strong moral compass. Not only is he a good person and a good friend, but he is the right candidate to unite Kentuckians from all over the state. Like a lot of Kentuckians, he knows what it is like to struggle with health care costs, and to work hard to succeed when the deck has been stacked against you. I’ve seen him listen with empathy to miners with Black Lung, and the Blackjewel miners whose paychecks were withheld. I’ve seen Mitch McConnell ignore both of those problems, and I look forward to replacing his failed leadership with Charles Booker.”
Here is the full list of legislators endorsing Rep. Booker in the Democratic primary:
- Democratic Leader Joni Jenkins (Louisville)
- Democratic Caucus Chair Derrick Graham (Frankfort)
- Democratic Whip Angie Hatton (Whitesburg)
- Rep. George Brown (Lexington)
- Rep. Teri Branham Clark (Ashland)
- Rep. Jeff Donohue (Louisville)
- Rep. Jim Glenn (Owensboro)
- Rep. Nima Kulkarni (Louisville)
- Rep. Reggie Meeks (Louisville)
- Rep. Russ Meyer (Nicholasville)
- Rep. Josie Raymond (Louisville)
- Rep. Rachel Roberts (Newport)
- Rep. Attica Scott (Louisville)
- Rep. John Sims (Maysville)
- Rep. Buddy Wheatley (Covington)
- Rep. Lisa Willner (Louisville)
The other major candidates in the race for the Democratic nomination are Amy McGrath and Mike Broihier. All endorsements that Forward Kentucky knows about in this race are listed here.
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