Biden for President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2020 

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, and 93 Michigan Leaders Endorse Joe Biden

Today, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell,  Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, and 93 Michigan Leaders announced their endorsements for Joe Biden for President of the United States:
 
“Every day in Grand Rapids and throughout our state, we’re building, we’re innovating and we’re working hard for everyone in our communities. We’ve been through challenging times, but we’ve never given up or lost hope,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “Joe Biden understands us because working America isn’t just where he comes from — it’s who he is. That’s why when President Obama tasked him with handling the auto bailout, he never gave up on us and together, we got back on our feet. It’s time for us to fight for Joe Biden like he fought for us, and just like he will when he’s our next President of the United States.”
 
“We need a president who doesn’t just promise a brighter future, but knows what it means to deliver, just like we do in Kalamazoo every day,” said Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell. “Our communities deserve leadership that understands that the foundation of stronger generations is built on prosperity. That makes sure every child has the opportunity to access quality health care and education — no matter where they come from — is critical. We deserve a president who’s not only dedicated himself to results, but who served our first African American president, supporting and encouraging policies to bring our kids and our nation forward. That’s Joe Biden — and I’m proud to support him as our next president of the United States.”
 
“Lansing isn’t just the seat of our democracy in Michigan — it’s a place where manufacturers to health care providers to those who manufacture life-saving vaccines work hard every day, helping our families thrive and our communities prosper. Joe Biden understands the challenges working people in Lansing face, and what they need to continue propelling our country forward,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. “I believe in Joe Biden because he’s never turned his focus from the people of Lansing and he’ll never stop fighting for the opportunities and future we deserve.”
 
The full list of Michigan leaders endorsing Joe Biden today includes:
  • Pete Accica, City Council Sterling HeightsAccica
  • Sarah Anthony, Representative House District 68
  • Reverend Wendell, Anthony NAACP/Pastor - Fellowship Chapel 
  • Janeé Ayers, City Council Detroit
  • Alisha Bell, Commissioner Wayne County
  • Bryan Beverly, School Board  Lansing
  • Jim Blanchard, Former Governor 
  • Janet Blanchard, Former First Lady of Michigan 
  • Rosalynn Bliss, Mayor Grand Rapids,
  • Kyra Bolden, Representative House District 35
  • Darcell Brown, Mayor Pro Temp Ecorse
  • Marlon Brown, City Council Mason
  • Sara Cambensy, Representative House District 109
  • John Chirkun, Representative House District 22
  • Ryan Covert, City Council New Baltimore
  • Bryan Crenshaw, County Commission Ingham
  • Brandon Dillon, Michigan Dem Chair
  • Brian K. Elder, Representative House District 96
  • Ron Frederick, City Council Sterling Heights
  • Paul Gieleghem, Treasurer Clinton Township
  • Lee Gonzales, Former State Representative
  • Jere Green President, Warren Woods School Board
  • Elena Greer, Michigan Democratic Party Youth Vice Chair
  • Christine Greig, Representative House District 37
  • Jan Haggerty, City Council Roseville
  • Harold Haugh, Commissioner Macomb County
  • Cathy Haugh, City Council Roseville
  • Diontrae Hayes, Township Supervisor Lansing
  • Kevin Hertel, Representative House District 18
  • Dennis Hertel, Former Congressman 
  • Bobby Hopewell, Former Mayor Kalamazoo
  • Veronica Klinefelt, Commissioner Macomb County
  • Rob Leonetti, Commissioner Macomb County
  • Frank Liberati, Representative House District 13
  • Elizabeth Lucido, Representative County Commission Macomb
  • Mari Manoogian, Representative House District 40
  • Rob Mijac, County Commissioner Macomb
  • Art Miller, Former Michigan Democratic Senate Leader 
  • Mindy Moore, City Council Secretary Warren
  • Jeremy Moss, State Senator District 11
  • Ken Pearl, Trustee Clinton Township
  • Dayna Polehanki, State Senator District 7
  • Derrick Quinney, Register of Deeds Ingham County
  • Nancy Quarles, Oakland County Commissioner 
  • Michael Radtke, Councilman City of Sterling Heights
  • Terry J. Sabo, Representative House District 92
  • Marv Sauger, Commissioner Macomb County 
  • Andy Schor, Mayor Lansing
  • Nate Shannon, Representative House District 25
  • Derrell Slaughter, County Commissioner Ingham County
  • Eric Smith, Prosecutor Macomb County
  • Tim Sneller, Representative House District 50
  • Monica Sparks, Commissioner Kent County
  • Patricia Spitzley, City Council Lansing
  • Bart Stupack, Former Congressman 
  • Laurie Stupak, Mayor Menominee
  • Michael Switalski, Treasurer Roseville
  • Bob Taylor, Mayor Roseville
  • Jewell Ware, Commissioner Wayne County
  • Tony Wickersham, Sheriff Macomb
  • Steve Wietcha, City Council Roseville
  • Paul Wojno, State Senator District 9
  • Dave Woodward, Oakland County Board Chair
  • Barb Ziarko, City Council Sterling Heights
  • Reverend Devonte Sherard, Union Second Baptist Church
    Wendell Byrd, Representative District 3
  • Tyrone Carter, Representative District 6
  • Irma Clark-Colman, Commissioner Wayne County
  • Carol Hennessy, Commissioner Kent County
  • Adam Hollier, State Senator District 2
  • Betsy Melton, Commissioner Kent County
  • Ronnie Peterson, Representative District 54
  • Phil Skaggs, Commissioner Kent County
  • Stephen Wooden, Commissioner Kent County
  • Brenda Carter, Representative District 29
  • LaTanya Garrett, Representative District 7
  • Cynthia A. Johnson, Representative District 5
  • David LaGrand, Representative District 75
  • Donna Lasinski, Representative District 52
  • Leslie Love, Representative District 10
  • Glenn Anderson, Commissioner Wayne County
  • Monique Baker McCormick, Commissioner Wayne County
  • Raymond Basham, Commissioner Wayne County
  • Joe Palamara, Commissioner Wayne County
  • Martha Scott, Commissioner Wayne County
  • Robert Womack, Country Commissioner Kent County
  • Lorie Barnwell, City Treasurer Warren County 
  • Patrick Green, Mayor Pro Tem Warren County
  • Derek Miller, Former Macomb County Treasurer
  • Jennifer (Joie) West, Trustee Clinton Township
  • John DeRoo, School Board President Anchor Bay
  • Andrey Duzyj, Commissioner Macomb County
  • Bishop Edgar Van, Pastor - 2nd Ebenezer 
  • Briana Scott, MSU Trustee 
  • Benny Napoleon, Sheriff Wayne County
  • Deirdre Waterman, Mayor of Pontiac
Mayors Bliss, Hopewell, and Schor and leaders across Michigan join a growing list of prominent Michigan leaders supporting Biden, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, former Governor Jennifer Granholm, and former Michigan Senator Carl Levin, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, who announced their support this week. In addition, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, State Representatives Joe Tate, Karen Whitsett, and Tenisha Yancey, and State Senator Marshall Bullock have also endorsed Biden. 

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March 8, 2020 

ICYMI: Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and State House Candidate Cynthia Neeley Endorse Joe Biden 

Today, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and his wife Cynthia Neeley, a candidate for State House, issued the following press release announcing their endorsement of Joe Biden for President of the United States:

Mayor Sheldon Neeley, House candidate Cynthia Neeley issue dual presidential endorsement for former Vice President Joe Biden
 
After much prayer and consideration, both Mayor Sheldon Neeley and his wife Cynthia Neeley, a candidate for State House, are announcing today their official dual endorsement of Vice President Joe Biden’s candidacy for president of the United States. They released the following statement:
 
“In order to lift and move our community and nation forward, we are proud today to offer our support and partnership to Joe Biden,” Mayor Neeley said.
 
“In light of all the challenges in Michigan and the water crisis in the City of Flint, we need strong leadership and a friend in the White House,” Cynthia Neeley said.
 
Former Vice President Joe Biden has long been a friend of working people, and working alongside President Barack Obama, he has proven he is a strong supporter of the City of Flint.
 
Calling Joe Biden, the best choice, the strongest choice, and their proud choice, the Neeleys are among a critical mass of supporters helping to boost Joe Biden’s campaign in the days leading up to Michigan’s Democratic Primary on March 10.
 
Cynthia Neeley will also appear on the March 10 ballot as the Democratic candidate for the 34th state House District.
 
The Neeleys join a growing list of prominent Michigan leaders supporting Biden, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, former Governor Jennifer Granholm, and former Michigan Senator Carl Levin, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, who announced their support this week. In addition, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, State Representatives Joe Tate, Karen Whitsett, and Tenisha Yancey, and State Senator Marshall Bullock have also endorsed Biden.
 
Nationally, Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,700 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.

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March 6, 2020

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 876 and 951 in Michigan Endorse Joe Biden

Today, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 876 and 951 in Michigan announced their endorsement of Joe Biden for President of the United States. 
 
“Biden has a proven track record of standing up and doing what is right for working Americans,” said UFCW 876 President Dan Pedersen. “876 believes the Biden campaign has the fortitude and strength to secure the professionals, experts and leaders needed to protect collective bargaining, affordable health care and fair education opportunities for all Americans.”
 
“Joe Biden has made a career of standing up for working people and their families,” said UFCW 951 President John Cakmakci. “UFCW 951 is proud to stand with him on behalf of our nearly 33,000 members and their families,” John Cakmakci, UFCW 951’s president, said. “Joe Biden knows we all rise when workers receive a fair days pay for a fair day’s work, which builds a stronger Michigan for everyone.”
 
UFCW Local 876 and 951 represent over 51,000 members across Michigan in the retail, meatpacking, hospitality, and food processing and manufacturing sector and join a growing list of prominent Michigan leaders supporting Biden,  including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former Governor Jennifer Granholm, and former Michigan Senator Carl Levin. In addition, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, State Representatives Joe Tate, Karen Whitsett, and Tenisha Yancey, and State Senator Marshall Bullock have also endorsed Biden. 
 
National unions have also endorsed Biden, including the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers (IW), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA). The American Federation of Federation of Teachers (AFT) also encouraged members to support Biden among two other candidates.
 
Nationally, Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,500 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.

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March 6, 2020

Michigan’s First Black Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II Endorses Joe Biden

Gilchrist will attend a Canvass Kickoff at Biden for President headquarters in Detroit at 12:00 PM ET.

Following strong performances in South Carolina and across the nation on Super Tuesday, Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II endorses Joe Biden for President of the United States, releasing a statement in support:
 
“Leadership is about showing up, listening, and responding to make things happen, and Vice President Joe Biden has shown up for Michigan time after time. He has been there for Detroit, and the entire state of Michigan, as a friend and a leader. That is why I am endorsing Vice President Joe Biden to be our nominee for president.
 
“This is not a decision that I take or make lightly because the stakes are so high for our communities. Joe Biden is listening to a broad range of progressive, moderate, and other voices across the political spectrum. He will defeat Donald Trump’s dangerous, backwards-moving agenda by assembling a diverse, dynamic, and driven coalition that creates the conditions for people to thrive across Michigan and across the nation.
 
“He helped expand healthcare in Michigan, and will go further as president. Joe has helped expand access to the internet and public transit across our state, and he will go further as president. Joe Biden led President Obama’s efforts to protect and expand economic opportunity for working people by negotiating the deal that saved the auto industry, including tens of thousands of jobs in our state, and he will go further as president.
 
“The challenges that we are now confronting open the door to generational opportunities. This is our moment to replace Trump’s destruction and division with a unified, expansive vision of the future that we can build when we come together. I trust Joe Biden to lead with us into that future as our nominee and the next president.”
 
Gilchrist II’s endorsement is the highest ranking endorsement by a Black elected official in Michigan and adds to the growing support of Joe Biden across the state, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former Michigan Senator Carl Levin and former Governor Jennifer Granholm. In addition, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, State Representatives Joe Tate, Karen Whitsett, and Tenisha Yancey, and State Senator Marshall Bullock have also endorsed Biden.
 
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II made history when he became the first Black lieutenant governor elected in the state of Michigan in 2018.
 
A native Detroiter, Lt. Governor Gilchrist II attended the University of Michigan for computer science and engineering. He built a successful career as a software engineer at Microsoft, social media manager for the 2008 Obama presidential campaign, organizer for MoveOn.org, and director of technology for the City of Detroit. Lt. Governor Gilchrist II and his wife, Ellen, currently reside in Detroit where they are raising their twins, Emily and Garlin III, and eight-month-old baby, Ruby.
 
Gilchrist II joins a growing list of prominent Michigan leaders supporting Biden, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former Governor Jennifer Granholm, and former Michigan Senator Carl Levin, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, who announced their support this week. In addition, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, State Representatives Joe Tate, Karen Whitsett, and Tenisha Yancey, and State Senator Marshall Bullock have also endorsed Biden. 

Biden leads the field in congressional endorsements with support from more than 75 U.S. Representatives and 11 U.S. Senators, including the most endorsements from members of both the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Nationally, Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,500 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals. 

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March 5, 2020

Michigan Congresswomen Elissa Slotkin, Haley Stevens, and Brenda Lawrence Endorse Joe Biden

Today, Michigan Congresswomen Elissa Slotkin, Haley Stevens, and Brenda Lawrence released the following statements endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States:

“Today, I filled out my absentee ballot for Joe Biden. I did so for a host of reasons, but most importantly because I hear from my constituents every day that they want an end to the all-or-nothing politics that have so polarized our country. All-or-nothing doesn’t get us lower drug costs or more affordable healthcare. It doesn’t raise water quality standards. It doesn't protect our country from national security threats that endanger every American, regardless of party. In Michigan, we have a rich tradition of hard work, decency, and passionate pragmatism. That is what is expected of us in our lives, and that is what I believe we need from our elected leaders. That is why I support Joe Biden,”  said Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin.
 
“When the auto industry was on its back, Joe Biden was determined to get workers raring to go again. He knew Michigan would be devastated if GM and Chrysler went bankrupt. But Joe Biden never quit, and now our auto industry is back on its feet. As a Member of Congress who flipped a Republican seat in 2018, I know the workers and families in my community. They're fighters. And they're not looking for lip service or promises that can't be delivered. They're looking for a leader who knows what their challenges are, and who rises above politics to deliver. That's Joe Biden and it's why we need him in the White House,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens.
 
“I proudly announce my endorsement of presidential candidate Joe Bidden, in a hope to restore America’s faith in our democracy. We must have a president who values telling the truth and who won’t dole out empty promises or stoke fear and anger. The people of this great country deserve a president who will not only listen but respect women’s voices and rights. Like so many Michiganders, Joe Biden and his family have known real loss and economic insecurity -- and like us he’s persevered, never forgetting where he comes from. In order to bring about real change, for everyday Americans, we need to elect Joe Biden as President to help us in our fight to lower prescription drug costs, protect women’s reproductive rights, and provide for an affordable and accessible education. Joe Biden in the White House means we can accomplish these goals and so much more. Let’s rebuild America — let’s elect Joe Biden as our next President of the United States,” said Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence.
 
Slotkin, Stevens, and Lawrence join a growing list of prominent Michigan leaders supporting Biden, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former Governor Jennifer Granholm, and former Michigan Senator Carl Levin, who announced their support this week. In addition, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, State Representatives Joe Tate, Karen Whitsett, and Tenisha Yancey, and State Senator Marshall Bullock have also endorsed Biden.
 
Biden leads the field in congressional endorsements with support from more than 70 U.S. Representatives and nine U.S. Senators, including the most endorsements from members of both the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Nationally, Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,500 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.

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March 5, 2020

ICYMI: The Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News Endorse Joe Biden Ahead of the Michigan Primary 

“Michigan Democrats, and Americans across the political spectrum, are fortunate that he is available in our hour of national need.” —The Detroit Free Press

Today, the two largest papers in Michigan — the Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News — endorsed Joe Biden for President. In their endorsements of Joe Biden, both cite his readiness on day one, his foreign policy experience, and his ability to unite the country and beat Donald Trump.
 
The Detroit Free Press: Joe Biden is Michigan's best choice in Democratic primary
 
“But the nation, and our closely divided state, would be far better served by the succession of JOE BIDEN, whose four decades of experience in Congress and the West Wing have uniquely prepared him to meet the challenges awaiting the next president.”
 
“Back in January, long before the dynamics of the Democratic race came into sharper focus, we outlined the criteria that would inform the Free Press’ endorsement decision. Specifically, we were looking for the candidate whose experience, vision, realistic approach to foreign policy, electability and demonstrated ability to identify areas of broad public consensus rose above his or her rivals’. Judged by those five metrics, Biden is the clear winner. His resume is distinguished by both its length and its breadth. He is, indeed, the only candidate with deep experience in both the legislative and executive branches.”
 
“Biden’s aspirations to re-establish America’s global leadership are similarly leavened by realism. Like his nuanced views on crimes and drug addiction, his pragmatic approach to foreign policy is born of long and sometimes painful experience… It’s difficult to imagine a U.S, ally who would not be reassured by Biden’s election, or an adversary who would mistake it as an invitation to military aggression or nuclear mischief.”
 
“Biden would bring to the White House an agenda far more ambitious than the one Obama realized or even articulated. Though Biden wisely declined to embrace the chimeric prescription for universal Medicare (a non-starter in any conceivable Congress), he has expressed support for many of the financial reforms proposed by Warren. Like Warren’s platform, Biden’s would shift power from Wall Street to consumers, entrepreneurs and workers.”
 
“We worry, especially, that a ticket helmed by Sanders’ nomination would jeopardize the re-election of U.S. Reps. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) and Haley Stevens (D-Troy), who won seats in historically red congressional  districts. And the trust and goodwill Biden enjoys on Capitol Hill boost the odds that he will be able to break the partisan gridlock that has doomed bipartisan progress on immigration reform, gun violence, and climate change.”
 
“Biden, by contrast, has somehow made his way through half a century without vilifying broad segments of the American electorate. His decency and empathy are authentic. So is his humility, which grew organically from his personal experience with error, disappointment and familial tragedy.”
 
“Still, Biden's manifest resilience and capacity for self-healing bode well for the gargantuan task of restoring decency, competence and credibility to the White House. No Democrat, Republican or third-party loyalist need fear him; his election would imperil only the poisonous mixture of cynicism, contempt and distrust that pervade American political life in the age of Donald Trump.”
 
The Detroit News: Joe Biden is Democrats' best choice in Michigan presidential primary
 
“Democratic voters consistently tell pollsters their priority in the presidential primaries is nominating a candidate who can beat President Donald Trump this fall. Of the contenders who remain in the race heading into Tuesday's Michigan balloting, Joe Biden best meets that criteria. In fact, the former vice president may be the only one who can fulfill the Democratic desire to deny Trump a second term.”
 
“One of the country's major challenges is the ever-growing political divide. The inability of those in Washington to work across party lines and the increasing incivility in the public square are the biggest threats to the nation's well-being… Biden, as a U.S. senator and vice president, has a reputation as someone who could build consensus. His former boss, President Barack Obama, called on him often to knit the two parties together on important matters.”
 
“Further recommending Biden is his White House experience. He served eight years under Obama, and was involved in many of the major decisions, for better or worse, made by the administration.”
 
“This election is unfolding in a period of great uncertainty. No one knows how much damage the coronavirus is going to do to the nation's health and economy. Biden has the experience to navigate difficult decisions necessary to confront the crisis, and the ability to rise above partisanship to do what's best for the American people.”

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March 5, 2020 [ed. see interview on MSNBC]

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Endorses Joe Biden

Whitmer Named Fourth National Campaign Co-Chair

After historic wins in states across the country on Super Tuesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States:

“Working families in Michigan need a president who will show up and fight for them, and Joe Biden has proven time and again that he has our backs. He had all of our backs when he worked with President Obama to expand health care to millions of people under the Affordable Care Act, including 680,000 Michiganders who now have coverage through Medicaid expansion. He had our backs during the auto industry rescue that saved GM and Chrysler. And he’s proven that he will continue to fight for those values and more as our next president.
 
“Joe Biden understands we’re at a crossroads in our country — he understands what’s at stake when working families are wondering whether they’ll be able to afford a doctors’ bill, or prescription drugs, or to put food on the table for themselves and their families. 
 
“Michiganders have grit. We’re tough. We know what it’s like to be overlooked and counted out. And we know that when you get knocked down, you pick yourself up and get back to work. Joe Biden has been right there with us in the tough fights. He showed up for the people of Michigan when our health care and our auto industry were on the line. He helped us pick ourselves up and get back to work. I know he’ll do the same as president.
 
“Joe Biden is the candidate we need to defeat Donald Trump in November. He’s always had our backs. Now, I’m proud to have his.”
 
Whitmer’s endorsement adds to the growing support that Joe Biden has already garnered in Michigan, including former Michigan Senator Carl Levin and former Governor Jennifer Granholm who both endorsed Biden yesterday. In addition, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, State Representatives Joe Tate, Karen Whitsett, and Tenisha Yancey, and State Senator Marshall Bullock have also endorsed Biden. Nationally, Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,500 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.
 
Whitmer joins Delaware Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as national campaign co-chairs, serving as a top advisor and surrogate as the campaign expands its efforts to clinch the Democratic nomination and defeat Donald Trump.

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March 4, 2020

Former Michigan Senator Carl Levin Endorses Joe Biden

Building on the momentum coming out of Super Tuesday, former Michigan Senator Carl Levin released the following statement endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States:
 
“Like many Democrats in Michigan and across the country, I have struggled with the question of which Democratic presidential candidate has the best chance of defeating Donald Trump this November. All the Democratic candidates would be superior to four more years of endless Trump lies and divisiveness and incivility. All would end Trump’s relentless injection of venom against those who disagree with him and his endless elevation of his personal interest and ego above the interests of the nation.
 
“I have concluded that Vice President Joe Biden has the best chance of defeating Donald Trump – and the best chance of winning Michigan’s electoral votes.
 
“First, Joe Biden has the best chance of attracting votes of a broad cross-section of voters in Michigan and across the country, including some moderate voters who might vote for Trump or might not vote at all, rather than voting for a self-described socialist such as Sen. Bernie Sanders whose ideology is unappealing to those voters.
 
“Second, a major issue for me is the health of our auto industry, which accounts directly or indirectly for one in 10 jobs in our country. Joe Biden has a demonstrated record of standing up for auto workers, while Bernie Sanders at a critical moment for the industry’s survival did not.
 
“When the future of that industry was in doubt in 2008 and 2009, and big parts of the industry were in danger of going under in a tail spinning economy, Joe Biden was in the trenches as a senator and as Vice President-elect, fighting for and voting – along with my brother Sandy and I – for the bill that would contain the $19 billion that the industry needed to survive. Twice in the Senate, Joe Biden took tough votes that provided the assistance. Both he and then-Sen. Obama voted on Oct. 1, 2008 – in the midst of their heated presidential campaign – for the Troubled Asset Relief Program that provided that assistance to the auto industry and to financial markets. They did so even though a Republican president had requested the aid. Bernie Sanders voted no.
 
“The second key vote providing funding to save our auto industry came on Jan. 15, 2009. Obama was now the President-elect and Biden was the Vice President-elect. It was only five days before their inauguration. President Bush had authorized $13.5 billion of TARP funds to help the auto industry survive. But the law creating TARP divided the rescue program in half and set up a Congressional vote on the second half of the aid – including $4 billion in crucial aid to the auto industry. Obama and Biden pushed hard for approval, despite continued controversy over the aid. Once again, they were there for auto workers when it mattered. Sanders voted to disapprove the funding.
  
“If Bernie Sanders is our nominee, I foresee Trump, despite his own inconsistencies on support for the auto industry, would make a powerful media pitch that if Sanders had his way on those two key votes, much of the domestic auto industry would have gone under.
  
“I worked with Joe Biden for 30 years. I know personally of the facts that I am recounting here because I was there in person on the floor of the Senate when he cast those tough votes. By the time of that second vote in January 2009, 17,000 Americans a day were losing their jobs and more than 9,000 homes were going into foreclosure every day in our country. Joe Biden was taking practical steps to stop those losses, while Bernie Sanders was taking an ideological position. Both are good men and have good hearts and care about working people. But it was Biden who fought for us and acted effectively at a critical moment to bring those job losses and foreclosures to an end and to provide immediate and practical support for our critical auto industry here in Michigan. Biden’s experience in foreign affairs will help restore America’s role as a coalition builder and as a moral force in the world. With those qualities and with his more broad-based appeal I believe he has the best chance of defeating Trump in Michigan and helping our state and nation to get back on track.”
 
Levin’s endorsement adds to the growing support that Joe Biden has already garnered in Michigan, including former Governor Jennifer Granholm who endorsed earlier today. In addition, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, State Representatives Joe Tate, Karen Whitsett, and Tenisha Yancey, and State Senator Marshall Bullock have also endorsed Biden. Nationally, Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,500 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.

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March 4, 2020

ICYMI: UNITEHERE! Local 24 Members Endorse Joe Biden

Ahead of the Michigan Presidential Primary on March 10th, UNITE HERE! Local 24/Midwest Joint Board members have endorsed Vice President Joe Biden for the Democratic Nominee

At their March 3rd membership meeting, Unite HERE! Local 24 members endorsed Joe Biden in his run for the Presidency of the United States.

Unite HERE! Local 24 represents over 7,000 working people in the city of Detroit and across the state of Michigan. These workers are banquet workers, restaurant workers, cooks, casino workers, housekeepers, hotel workers, stadium workers, airport workers and more.
 
“Local 24’s members know what it means to fight for their healthcare, wages, and benefits over decades. And we know that Vice President Joe Biden has dedicated his whole life to fighting beside us, driving real concrete progress on the issues that matter most to working families,” said Nia Winston Unite HERE! Local 24 President when talking about Local 24’s endorsement of the former Vice President.
 
“Joe Biden will never let anyone scrap all the hard work we’ve done to earn life-changing benefits at the negotiating table or on the picket line. He’s a trusted ally who will fight to protect and expand on the Affordable Care Act, improving on the health coverage we now have and driving down the cost of care. We know that Joe will stand with workers, encourage collective bargaining, and crack down on employers who try to block unions. And we know that Joe is the only candidate in this race with the broad coalition and chops to beat Donald Trump and unite this country to get big things done for all working families.”
 
UNITEHERE! Local 24 has a very active membership in Detroit and plans, with this endorsement, to turn voters out for Vice President Biden in the March 10th Democratic Primary in Michigan.
 
Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,500 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.

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March 4, 2020

Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm Endorses Joe Biden for President

Today, former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm released the following statement endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States:

“I’m beyond thrilled to endorse Joe Biden. When Michigan was on its knees during the bankruptcies in the auto industry, Joe Biden was our champion inside the Obama Administration. Through the auto rescue, he made sure a million auto manufacturing jobs — in Michigan and throughout the industrial Midwest — were saved. He ensured that Michigan had the resources to retrain workers, that we invested in schools and teachers, that people had health care. We had been knocked down, and he made sure we got back up on our feet. And he gave us the resources to diversify our auto industry to make electric vehicles. Then he rallied all of the key agencies of the federal government to come to Detroit to bring the basics, lighting, blight clearing, and buses. His last speech as Vice President was in Detroit. He carried us on his shoulders on our journey to recovery. And Michigan came back.  Just like Joe.”  

Granholm’s endorsement adds to the growing support that Joe Biden has already garnered in Michigan, including the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, State Representatives Joe Tate, Karen Whitsett, and Tenisha Yancey, and State Senator Marshall Bullock. 

Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,500 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.

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February 9, 2020

Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus Endorses Joe Biden for President

Today, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, which previously supported Senator Kamala Harris, is endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States. Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus Chair Keith Williams released the following statement announcing their support: 
 
"We have seen Donald Trump wreak havoc in our communities, create division and inflame hate for three years. The stakes in this election could not be higher. This is not the time for experimentation. This is the time for steady leadership from the White House. Joe Biden fought for our communities as Barack Obama's Vice President. Together, they passed and implemented Obamacare, expanding health care to millions of Michigan residents, protecting millions more with pre-existing conditions. And, together they saved the auto industry and strengthened the United Auto Workers, putting our workers first."

The endorsement of the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus adds to the growing number of endorsements that Joe Biden already has already garnered in Michigan — including from Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, State Representatives Joe Tate, Karen Whitsett, and Tenisha Yancey, and State Senator Marshall Bullock. This endorsement is reflective of the strong support that Joe Biden has earned within the African American community and speaks to his record of delivering for working families on the kitchen table issues that have been under attack — such as health care, unions, and a pathway to the middle class.

Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,300 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals. 
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September 12, 2019

59 African American State Legislators Endorse Joe Biden Ahead of Third Democratic Debate

Today, Biden for President is announcing 59 African American state legislators from 15 states who are endorsing Joe Biden ahead of the third Democratic debate. As Vice President Biden’s campaign expands across the country, today’s endorsements come from key Super Tuesday states like California, Minnesota, and Tennessee, as well as crucial battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.  
 
Today’s endorsements also include 26 Georgia state legislators, including the legislature’s Black Caucus Chair, House Democratic Caucus Chair, and the President-Elect of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL). In total, 76 African American state legislators nationwide have now endorsed Vice President Biden. 
 
“We are building a diverse coalition to create a path to the nomination that runs through the early states, Super Tuesday, and beyond. We are honored to have the support of these respected leaders from across the country who are helping us assemble the strongest campaign in the country,” said Greg Schultz, Campaign Manager, Biden for President. “The endorsements of local elected officials who are committed to getting things done for their communities are imperative in our campaign’s fight for the soul of America and to defeat Donald Trump.”
 
Today’s endorsements build on the campaign’s momentum heading into Thursday night’s debate and represent continued enthusiasm in key states. 
 
Today’s new endorsements include:
  • Billy Mitchell, GA State Representative & President-Elect National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL)
  • Barbara Ballard, KS State Senator  and House Minority Caucus Chair
  • Karen Bennett, GA State Representative and Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Chair    
  • James Beverly, GA State Representative and Georgia House Democratic Caucus Chair    
  • Gregory W. Porter, IN State Representative and Former President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators
  • Cherrish Pryor, IN State Representative and House Democratic Caucus Floor Leader
  • Derrick Simmons, MS State Senator Minority Leader
  • Angela Turner-Ford, MS Senator and Chair of Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus
  • Sheryl Williams-Stapleton, NM State Representative, Majority Leader
  • Raumesh Akbari, TN State Senator    
  • Kimberly Alexander, GA State Representative    
  • Tonya Anderson, GA State Senator    
  • Regina Barrow, LA State Senator    
  • Debra Bazemore, GA State Representative    
  • Chris Bell, MS State Representative    
  • Barbara Blackmon, MS State Senator    
  • Edward Blackmon, MS State Representative    
  • Roger Bruce, GA State Representative    
  • Marshall Bullock, MI State Senator    
  • Cedric Burnett, MS State Representative    
  • Rhonda Burnough, GA State Representative    
  • Gloria Butler, GA State Senator    
  • Doreen Carter, GA State Representative    
  • Troy Carter, LA State Senator    
  • Morgan Cephas, PA State Representative    
  • Sheila Clark-Nelson, GA State Representative    
  • Jim Cooper, CA State Assemblyman    
  • Jason Dawkins, PA State Representative    
  • Pam Dickerson, GA State Representative    
  • Winfred Dukes, GA State Representative    
  • Jason Fields, WI State Representative    
  • Gloria Frazier, GA State Representative    
  • Randall Gaines, LA State Representative    
  • Brenda Gilmore, TN State Senator
  • Juandalyn Givan, AL State Representative    
  • Ed Harbison, GA State Senator    
  • CaMia Hopson, GA State Representative    
  • John Horne, MS State Senator    
  • Carolyn Hugely, GA State Representative    
  • Mack Jackson, GA State Representative    
  • Donzella James, GA State Senator    
  • Emanuel Jones, GA State Senator    
  • Sheila Jones, GA State Representative    
  • Dar'Shun Kendrick, GA State Representative    
  • Harold Love, TN State Representative    
  • Dewey McClain, GA State Representative    
  • Carl Mickens, MS State Representative    
  • Rena Moran, MN State Representative    
  • Gerald Neal, KY State Senator    
  • Barbara Norton, LA State Representative    
  • Sollie Norwood, MS State Senator    
  • Miriam Paris, GA State Representative    
  • Kim Schofield, GA State Representative    
  • Joe Tate, MI State Representative    
  • Kenneth Walker, MS State Representative    
  • Karen Whitsett, MI State Representative    
  • Al Williams, GA State Representative    
  • Robert Williams, SC State Representative    
  • Tenisha Yancey, MI State Representative
Today’s endorsements add to a list of 17 African American state legislators who have previously announced their support for Joe Biden. Earlier this week, the campaign also announced new endorsements from South Carolina and New Hampshire, as well as endorsements from the Super Tuesday states Texas and Tennessee.
 
Biden for President has previously announced more than 320 endorsements from national, state and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, and community leaders.
 
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Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan (reported July 22, 2019) >