PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) has endorsed former Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal to represent Oregon's Third Congressional District.
In a statement, the senator lauded Jayapal's leadership on issues including worker's rights, and environmental issues.
"For many years, Susheela Jayapal has been an outstanding progressive leader in Oregon. From early in her career she has stood with working families as she advocated for workers rights, fought to strengthen support for immigrant and refugee communities, and took on big polluters. I look forward to serving with her in Congress,” Sen. Sanders said in a statement.
In response to the endorsement, Jayapal said, “I’m honored and thrilled to have the support of Senator Bernie Sanders, an unrelenting champion for affordable healthcare, climate action, and an economy that works for everyone and not just corporations and the wealthiest Americans. I’m proud to count Senator Sanders among the dozens of leaders and organizations who know I’m the progressive champion Oregonians need fighting for our families and communities in Congress."
The Democratic candidate resigned as a Multnomah County commissioner in November to run for the Third District seat, which represents most of Multnomah County and parts of Clackamas and Hood River counties.
“We’re at a pivotal point in our country and in our district. With the Republican majority beholden to extremist ideologues attacking our democracy and our rights in ways we’ve never seen before, it’s more important than ever that we have an unwavering progressive voice in Congress to stand up for our values and bring us together to create the thriving, equitable community we need,” Jayapal said in a statement announcing her Third District campaign.
Oregon’s Third Congressional District seat is held by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who announced on Oct. 30 he will not seek reelection in 2024.
Jayapal has a handful of endorsements from elected officials and community members including Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, State Senator Kayse Jama, and Metro councilors Duncan Hwang and Mary Nolan.
