Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 1, 2020

NEW ENDORSEMENTS: Cory Booker Earns New Endorsements from Iowa State Representative Charlie McConkey, Local Elected Officials, and Critical Caucus Activists

Des Moines, IA - Cory Booker is beginning 2020 with a powerhouse list of new endorsements from current and former Iowa elected officials and critical caucus activists. Led by Iowa State Representative Charlie McConkey, the latest list of Iowans to join Cory’s caucus coalition includes Linn County Supervisor Ben Rogers, Story County Treasurer Ted Rasmussen, Dubuque City Council Member Brad Cavanaugh, former State Representative Nate Willems and more. 

“Iowa needs a president who will go to Washington, rise above the useless partisanship, and get things done. Cory Booker is ready to be that president on day one. He’s an experienced executive who has already proven that he can achieve real results for his constituents. My constituents can’t afford to wait years for affordable health care and jobs that pay a living wage and real solutions to our devastating floods, which is why I’ll be proud to caucus for Cory Booker on February 3rd,” said State Representative Charlie McConkey.

Cory continues to build momentum in Iowa, recently launching a six-figure, 60-second ad buy in the state. State Representative Charlie McConkey becomes the eighth member of the Iowa State Legislature to endorse Cory. He and this new group of endorsers join a list of more than 100 Iowa leaders who will be in the caucus rooms advocating for Cory on February 3rd. 

NEW 1/1/2020 CORY BOOKER ENDORSEMENTS

Iowa State Representative Charlie McConkey (HD-15)
Linn County Supervisor Ben Rogers
Story County Treasurer Ted Rasmussen
Dubuque City Councilor Brad Cavanaugh
School Board Member Tim Tripp, Marion County

Former State Representative Nate Willems, Linn County
Vickee Adams, Dallas County Activist
David Betsworth, Former Warren County Democratic Party Chair
Reverend Kenneth Briggs, Veteran, Polk County
Ruth Comer, Lucas County Activist
Janet Eldridge, Black Hawk County Gun Safety Advocate
Tom Fisher, Former State House Candidate. Polk County
Dr. Curtis Gedney, Cerro Gordo County Physician
Scott Hall, Attorney, Dallas County
Hope Johnson, Moms Demand Action Lead, Dallas County
Amy Keirderling and Keith Larsen, Dallas County Small Business Owners
Kirk Lautensleger, Polk County Small Business Owner
Margaret Vernon, Warren County Activist

---

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2019

NEW ENDORSEMENT: Michelle Smith, Chair of Jasper County Democrats, Endorses Cory Booker for President

Newton, IA - At an event in Newton today, Michelle Smith, chair of the Jasper County Democrats, officially endorsed Cory Booker for President. Smith joins fellow county Democratic Party chair Bryce Smith and more than 100 other high profile Iowa elected officials and activists in supporting Cory’s campaign for the Iowa Caucuses.

“Jasper County is sick and tired of Democrats and Republicans fighting rather than getting stuff done. When I looked around at all the candidates in this election, I knew we’d need someone who could bring everyone together and talk about what we have in common as Americans and Iowans.” said Michelle Smith. “Cory is the candidate we need to flip Iowa blue and bring in a new generation of leadership that finally gives real opportunity to rural America. I’m proud to endorse him and can’t wait to work with his team to make him the next president of the United States.

In addition to being a leading Jasper County Democratic activist, Michelle Smith is a fierce advocate for those suffering from mental illness and Iowa’s homeless residents. 

Smith endorsed Cory in Newton, IA on the “Cory Booker for America Tour,” a four-day bus tour across the state of Iowa. Find more details about the tour here.

---

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2019

NEW ENDORSEMENT: Bryce Smith, Chair of Dallas County Democrats, Endorses Cory Booker for President

Adel, IA - At an event in Adel today, Bryce Smith, chair of the Dallas County Democrats, officially endorsed Cory Booker for president. Smith joins more than 100 other high profile Iowa elected officials and activists in supporting Cory’s campaign for the Iowa Caucuses, including Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke and State Representative Kenan Judge.

“For my husband and me, civic engagement is about rolling up our sleeves and getting to work for the causes that make a positive difference,” said Smith. 

“This is why I’m all in for Cory Booker. He exemplifies the meaning of moral courage and standing up for what is right, even when what is right is not always the easiest. I know a President Booker will call upon us, the American people, to do more for one another with him, and we will see him by our side fighting the good fight.”

Smith endorsed Cory on the first stop of the “Cory Booker for America Tour,” a four-day bus tour across the state of Iowa. Find more details about the tour here.

As the County Chair and former candidate for the Iowa House in Dallas County, Bryce Smith has quickly become a rising star in the community and a political force in the Democratic Party.  Bryce graduated from the ADM school district, attended the University of Northern Iowa and returned to Adel to lay down roots with his now husband Kale. Smith is the sole proprietor of the Adel Family Fun Center in Adel.  His passions flow beyond the walls of his small business into his community; as an active member of the local chamber of commerce, community visioning committee, as well as the vice-president elect of the Iowa Bowling Proprietor’s Association.

Bryce and Kale are passionate about advancing an inclusive and progressive future for those around them. Bryce and Kale are involved in social justice work within the LGBTQ community, helping promote young entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as promoting STEAM within our public education system.

---

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2019
Des Moines, IA - After a highly successful four-day swing through the state of Iowa on his “Lead with Love” tour, Cory Booker has locked in 23 new key endorsements that will help propel his campaign to victory on caucus night, including Johnson County Supervisor Royceann Porter, mental health activists Leslie and Scott Carpenter, Polk County Soil and Water Commissioner Lou McDonald, and Dubuque elected official Danny Sprank.

“We are so excited to have these incredible leaders and community activists in our corner on caucus night,” said Cory 2020 Iowa State Director Mike Frosolone. “We’ve seen on the ground and in polls throughout this process that the more people get to know Cory Booker, the more they like him and sign up to caucus for him - and it’s happening now more than ever in the final stretch of this campaign. We are going to keep building towards caucus night brick by brick, and this group of new endorsements represents a lot of bricks.”

Johnson County Supervisory Royceann Porter, who made history as the first black woman to hold county-wide office in Johnson County, was so moved by Cory’s latest stop in Iowa City that she endorsed him right there on the spot, saying:

“He was always someone I would endorse. And now he’s doing well here in Iowa.” [via Iowa City Press Citizen]

Leslie and Scott Carpenter, the founders of Iowa Mental Health Advocacy, soon followed suit at the same event. Scott later penned an article for Bleeding Heartland, saying:

“If you go to a campaign event for Senator Booker, you’ll see that he’s a man of deep moral purpose. Not only does he have a passion for helping others, he has made it his life’s mission.”

These 23 Iowans join 84 Iowa elected officials and activists in supporting Cory Booker, adding to one of the largest coalitions of support for any 2020 presidential campaign. 

Johnson County Supervisor Royceann Porter
Polk County Soil and Water Commissioner Lou McDonald
Dubuque Elected Official Danny Sprank

Deb Batey, Henry County Central Committee member
Lauren Billings, UNI Citizens Climate League Vice President
Lori Bullock, Activist, Polk County
Tom Bullock, Activist, Polk County
Leslie Carpenter, Mental Health Activist, Johnson County
Scott Carpenter, Mental Health Activist, Johnson County
Olivia Kennedy, Gun Violence Prevention Activist, Linn County
Amy Konda, Activist and Teacher, Woodbury County
Ganesh Ganpat, Activist, Polk County
Nancy Gebhart, Ames Moms Demand Action Lead
Jim Holcomb, Activist, Polk County
Loxi Hopkins, Activist, Story County
Carole Horowitz, Community Arts Advocate and Activist, Story County
Mason Kuhn, University of Northern Iowa Education Professor
Lyle Otte, Activist, Winneshiek County
Armel Romaric Traore Dit Nignan, Immigration and Education Activist, Dallas County
Kate Rose, Chair, Mt Vernon Women
Dick Rose, Former Mt Vernon City Council Member
Roxy Strike, Activist, Story County
Reverend Jay Wolin, Activist, Scott County

---

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2019

Cory Booker Secures New Iowa Endorsements Following Break Out Debate Performance

Des Moines, IA - Following his break out debate performance last week, Cory Booker secured critical new endorsements from elected officials and activists in the Hawkeye State. The latest Iowa leaders to join one of the largest coalitions of grassroots power in the state include State Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell and former Story County Supervisor Wayne Clinton.

“We have worked since day one to build an operation that wins in the room on caucus night, and we are confident that our organization is on the right path to be successful and continue our momentum into the caucuses. The active and influential supporters who Representative Wessel-Kroeschell, former Supervisor Clinton, and so many more join today are an advantage that money cannot buy, and we can’t wait to win with them on February 3rd,” said Cory 2020 State Director Mike Frosolone.

“I’m proud to endorse Cory Booker for president because he understands this moment in our nation. He knows that we must unite Americans to rise above the dysfunction and hate that is ripping us apart, but, more than that, he knows that we have to actually deliver results for our friends and neighbors who have been left behind for far too long. Cory is a proven leader and coalition builder, and I wholeheartedly believe that our future will be brightest if he is elected President in 2020,” said Iowa State Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell.

“At a time when it feels like we’re being pulled further and further apart by our differences, we need to elect a leader who sees the dignity and worth in every person he meets. Cory Booker is a uniter who leads with his values. His ability to bring people together to get things done sets him apart from the field, and it’s why I’ll be proud to support him on caucus night,” said former Story County Supervisor Wayne Clinton. 

State Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, Story County
Wayne Clinton, Former Story County Supervisor
Cecil Brewton, Former DMPS School Principal and Educator
Kelly Donnelly, Early Childhood Center Director, National Association for the Education of Young Children Member
Leo Gansen, Union Leader and former Iowa State House candidate
Andrea Geary, Cedar Falls Small Business Owner
Debbie Gitchell, Story County Activist
Marilyn Hawkins, Former DMPS Bus Driver and Trainer, Mothers Board at Union Baptist Church
Heather Jones, Polk County Community Activist
Doug Kingsbury, Warren County IBEW Member
Holly Moore, Jefferson County Activist
Barb Wheelock, Story County Activist
Sue Wickham, East Des Moines Activist and Educator

---

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2019

Cory Booker Locks in Key Iowa Caucus Supporters Following Stand Out Debate Performance

Des Moines, IA - Following a stand out debate performance in which he showed voters once again why he is the best candidate in this race to defeat Donald Trump and heal our nation, Cory Booker locked in 18 new endorsements from key Iowa Caucus activists. 

These activists join 56 other prominent Iowans, including State Representatives Kenan Judge, Jennifer Konfrst, Monica Kurth, Heather Matson, Amy Nielsen, and Mark Smith, in supporting Cory Booker’s 2020 campaign.

“Cory’s support in Iowa continues to consistently grow as more and more caucus goers get to know him as a leader who can bring people together to take on America’s toughest problems,” said Cory 2020 Iowa State Director Mike Frosolone. “We look forward to working with these hardworking Iowa activists to recruit even more support to our campaign. Today’s endorsements represent yet another step towards victory on caucus day.”

“Our nation is facing an epidemic of gun violence and I truly believe there are common-sense solutions to address this public health crisis. Senator Booker is the candidate with the most comprehensive gun safety proposal and the only candidate with a firearm suicide prevention plan. I’m ready for a leader who will model love and empathy, and work to unite our broken nation. That's why I'm proud to endorse Cory Booker for President,” said Gun Violence Prevention Activist Rebecca Truszkowski. 

“When I hear Cory give a speech, I feel a profound hope that our nation’s divisions can be healed. He worked with Democrats and Republicans alike on the landmark Criminal Justice reform that became law last year - a rare bipartisan victory. He treats his fellow Senators like fellow human beings, not as enemies to be destroyed. Before the February caucus, see Cory in person. His strength, compassion, and wisdom is what our nation needs to back away from the dark precipice and reconnect to our common humanity,” said Jason Snell, Strategic Relations and Co-Director at Sunrise Movement Cedar Rapids.

Full list of endorsements below. 

Courtney Ball, Media Producer, Founder and Former Co-Executive Director of Matthew 25
Carrie Barr, Marshall County Activist
Christine Brunner-Luse, Global Health Specialist
Paul Dayton, Dallas County Activist
Will Flanegin, University of Northern Iowa Student Government
Miki Helton, UAW Member and Activist
Jason Helton, UAW Member and Activist
Mike Ladehoff, Consumer protection attorney and Community Services Chairman of his local UAW chapter
Davi Lowman, Former Communications Chair, Boone County Democrats
Sara Nottestad, Affirmative Action Chair, Winnebago County Democrats
Jason Nottestad, Winnebago County Activist
Lu Ann Pedrick, Polk County Activist
Mary Roskilly, Jasper County Activist
Sharon Rubis, Polk County Activist
Kale Smith, LGBTQ Rights Activist
Jason Snell, Strategic Relations and Co-Director at Sunrise Movement Cedar Rapids
Rebecca Truszkowski, Gun Violence Prevention Activist
Sally Wilson, Marshall County Activist
 

---

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2019

State Rep. Heather Matson Becomes Sixth Iowa Representative to Endorse Cory Booker

Des Moines, IA - During his eighth swing through Iowa on a busy State Fair weekend, today Cory Booker earned the endorsement of Representative Heather Matson of Ankeny, making her the sixth Iowa legislator to endorse Cory’s candidacy for president, the most of any candidate.  Named one of the Des Moines Register’s “50 Most Wanted Democrats,” last year Rep.  Matson defeated a five-term Republican incumbent in House District 38, which represents part of the Des Moines suburbs.

"Cory Booker leads with passion, honesty, and a commitment to civic grace at a time when we need to be reminded of who we can be as a country. I support Cory because he inspires us to rise to the challenges we face as a nation and I think he is the candidate who will inspire Americans to believe in each other again," said State Representative Heather Matson.

“Our plan from day one has been to build an organization of community leaders across Iowa who reflect Cory’s values of service, integrity, and bold leadership, and Representative Matson is a perfect fit. Rep. Matson is a political force to be reckoned with who will not only help Cory win in February but help flip Iowa blue in 2020,” said Cory 2020 Iowa State Director Mike Frosolone.

Representative Matson joins the largest list of influential Iowa leaders backing any presidential contender in Iowa, including State Representatives Amy Nielsen and Jennifer Konfrst, who became the first two Iowa legislators to endorse any candidate in the 2020 field, and former State House Minority Leader Mark Smith, State Representative Kenan Judge and State Representative Monica Kurth, who endorsed Cory on Wednesday. 

---

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2019

Cory Booker Earns Endorsements from State Representative Monica Kurth, Ames City Councilwoman Amber Corrieri, Prominent Iowa Activists Following Stand Out Debate Performance

Des Moines, IA - Following his standout performance in the CNN Democratic Presidential Debates, Cory Booker earned new endorsements from State Representative Monica Kurth of Davenport, Ames City Councilwoman Amber Corrieri and several more prominent Iowa activists.

"Cory Booker is not afraid to confront the most difficult problems facing this nation because he does so with love. At a time of great pain, Cory is the candidate we need to help unite us, heal our nation, and restore a sense of dignity and decency back to America. Cory’s campaign is about more than the policies he’ll implement or kicking one man out of one office, it’s about igniting a sense of responsibility and purpose in each and every one of us to work towards a brighter future for our communities, and that’s why I am so proud to endorse Cory Booker,” said State Representative Monica Kurth.

“As a local elected official, I want a president who has an understanding of what it means to be accountable to your entire community. Cory Booker has not only experienced this first hand as a former council member and mayor, but continues to carry a message of accountability and compassion in his work as a United States Senator. It is for this reason that I proudly join #TeamCory and endorse Cory Booker for President of the United States. I believe his passion for service and spirit of unity will inspire us all to work together to ignite change in our communities and across the nation,” said Ames City Councilwoman Amber Corrieri. 

Kurth and Corrieri join the largest list of influential Iowa leaders backing any presidential contender in Iowa, including State Representatives Amy Nielsen and Jennifer Konfrst, who became the first two Iowa legislators to endorse any candidate in the 2020 field, and former State House Minority Leader Mark Smith and State Representative Kenan Judge.

“We’re building this caucus campaign brick by brick, focusing on the community leaders who know better than anyone who can not only win Iowa but unite our country to defeat Donald Trump. We are thrilled to have Representative Kurth and Councilwoman Corrieri join our team here in Iowa,” said Cory 2020 Iowa State Director Mike Frosolone. 

Full list of the Iowa elected officials and activists endorsing Cory Booker today is below:

State Representative Monica Kurth House District 89, Scott County
Ames City Councilwoman Amber Corrieri Story County
Toni Backstrom Activist, Polk County 
Harold Davis Labor Activist, Polk County
Ana Garcia Entrepreneur and Latinx Community Leader, Black Hawk County
John Judge former Polk County Democrats Treasurer, Polk County
Diane Kolmer Activist, Polk County
Cody Leistikow Labor Activist, Black Hawk County
Tim Moothart Chair of the Dubuque Coalition for Nonviolence, Dubuque County
Judy Ryan Activist, Linn County
Roslin Thompson Knoxville Public Library Director, Marion County

---

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2019

Iowa State Rep. Kenan Judge and More than 30 Iowa Activists Endorse Cory Booker

Des Moines, IA — Following Cory Booker’s breakout performance during the first Democratic debate, today Cory 2020 announced that Iowa State Representative Kenan Judge and more than 30 influential Iowa leaders — including renowned Iowa activists Nancy Bobo and Carolyn and John Klaus — have endorsed Cory for President of the United States. 

“After listening to Cory’s call for bipartisanship and detailed policy proposals during the first Democratic debate, it was clear to me that he is the leader we need to restore a sense of civility in our nation,” said Rep. Kenan Judge. “Cory’s executive experience, ability to work across the aisle, and courage to take on some of our nation’s toughest challenges make him uniquely qualified to serve as President, and I am proud to join the campaign.”

Judge joins a long list of influential Iowa leaders backing Cory’s candidacy, including State Representatives Amy Nielsen and Jennifer Konfrst, who became the first two Iowa legislators to endorse any candidate in the 2020 field, and former State House Minority Leader Mark Smith.

“Over the last few months, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Cory. Our families hail from the same part of Iowa and we share the same Iowa values of honesty, integrity, humility, and kindness. These are the values that I judge a person on and Cory exceeds these requirements,” said Judge. 

Earlier this month, Cory 2020 announced that a powerhouse list of Iowa activists, elected officials, and political influencers had joined the Iowa for Cory steering committee, including new endorsements from Cedar Rapids City Councilman Dale Todd, Iowa City Councilmembers Mazahir Salih and Bruce Teague, and Iowa political operative Jerry Crawford.

“We are thrilled to earn the support of such a respected community leader and effective legislator like Representative Judge, along with dozens of powerful activists” said Cory 2020 Iowa State Director Mike Frosolone. “Every campaign needs a robust infrastructure to be successful in the Iowa caucuses, and this strong show of support following the first debate adds to the growing momentum we have built over the last few months that will carry us to victory in February.”

Judge is serving his first term in the Iowa House of Representatives and represents the District 44 which includes portions of includes Clive, Waukee and West Des Moines. 

Polk County Activist Nancy Bobo: “After researching all the candidates — and meeting many of them —  I found Cory’s character, tenacity, and passion for the common person to be exceptional and exactly what we need to move our country forward. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy for President and will work hard to get him elected!”

Story County Activists Carolyn and John Klaus: “Cory outshined every other candidate on the debate stage with his signature poise, grace and grit. Cory is the leader we need to help heal the soul of our nation and unite our communities, and we are proud to endorse him for President of the United States.”

Jasper County Activist Carol Kramer: “As a reservation-born and raised Ojibwa woman, I know Cory understands our plight. When he graced our home in person, it was the proudest moment for our family. Cory was powerfully eloquent, and when he stayed and spoke to most of the 100 people there, it showed how connected he is. Cory has a graciousness about him, coupled with strength and thoughtful intellect, and I am proud to join his team.”

Former Lucas County Democrats Chair Joan Amos: “After seeing and following all of the different candidates in the presidential field, I am supporting Cory Booker because he knows what our country needs. Cory was one of the only candidates that’s come to rural towns in southern Iowa like Chariton to see firsthand the issues we’re facing, so I know he will support rural folks across our nation. From his executive experience fighting for the issues that matter most like health care and fully funded education, Cory is the person most qualified to beat Trump.”

Polk County Activist Cathy Jury: “Right now, there is so much pain and anger in our country. We need to reignite our faith in each other to get things done. That's why I support Cory Booker for President. He knows how to bring people together to tackle tough problems and get results.”

The full list of Iowans formally announcing their endorsement of Cory Booker today include:

Iowa State Representative Kenan Judge
Kathi Judge, Dallas County activist
Nancy Bobo, Polk County activist 
John Klaus, former Story County Democratic Central Committee Vice Chair
Carolyn Klaus, former Story County Democratic Central Committee Precinct Representative
Carol Kramer, Jasper County activist
Fritz Kramer, Jasper County activist
Cathy Jury, Polk County activist 
Scott Foens, Linn County Activist and Central Committee Member
Linda Foens, Linn County Activist
Joan Amos, former Lucas County Democrats Chair
Julie Stewart, former Dallas County Democrats Chair
Rachael Ferraro, Head of Dubuque Transgender
Kim El-Baroudi, Polk County Activist
Mike Weinard, Johnson County activist, AFSCME member
Chris Weinard, Johnson County activist, AFSCME member
Ellie Miglin, Roosevelt High School Democrats Chair
Nick Pryor, Co-Founder of Students Against School Shootings Iowa
Ian Russell, Scott County Activist and Central Committee Member
Yena Balekyani, Polk County immigration activist   
Reverend Charles Lane, Black Hawk County
Lee Jolliffe, Drake University professor
Tanya Keith, Polk County activist
Ian Rappolt, Teacher and Woodbury County Activist
Tatum Clayburn, member of Simpson College Democrats
Marti Mefferd, Lucas County activist 
Melissa Hale, Polk County activist
Makenna Yates, Warren County activist
Lael Neal, Polk County activist 
Shaimaa Aly, Polk County activist
Carol Clark, Johnson County activist 
Lori A. Young, Polk County activist 
Dava James, Story County activist 
Judy Anderson, Polk County activist
Kay Marcel, Polk County gun violence prevention activist

---

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2019
Des Moines, IA – Today, Cory 2020 announced the launch of the Iowa for Cory Steering Committee, which includes a diverse group of Iowa leaders who will help advise the campaign in Iowa and organize caucus-goers in their communities.

The Iowa for Cory Steering Committee includes the following Iowa leaders: Rep. Amy Nielsen, Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, Rep. Mark Smith, Jerry Crawford, Labor Activist Marcia Nichols, Councilmember Mazahir Salih, Councilmember Dale Todd, Councilmember Bruce Teague, IA State Central Committee Member Landra Jo Reece, and IA State Central Committee Member Melinda Jones.

“I’m honored to have the support of such a diverse group of Iowa leaders — from local activists to council members and state representatives, these individuals have been on the forefront of standing up for their communities,” said Cory Booker. “Through the guidance and insight from this respected group of Iowa leaders, I know our campaign will continue to lift up folks in every corner of this great state and across this nation so that, together, we will rise.”

Iowa State Representative Amy Nielsen: “We need to heal from the divisive, fear-based rhetoric that has ripped our communities apart for far too long. I believe Cory Booker is the leader who will bring us together. Cory brings hope, healing, and compassion to the presidential race, and I am proud to support him.”

Iowa State Representative Jennifer Konfrst: “Cory Booker has the perfect mix of heart and fight, along with the policy positions that will help lift up all families and unite our nation. His dedication to supporting candidates up and down the ticket in Iowa and across the nation underscores his commitment to the party, and I am proud to stand with him in his campaign for president.”

Iowa State Representative Mark Smith: “Cory Booker has the fortitude to return common sense governance to our great country and resolve the vexing issues that are facing Iowans who are trying to maintain family farms, preserve our rural way of life, and protect our traditions of fairness and justice. Cory’s experience as mayor of a major city, his courage to stand up for working people, and his deep Iowa roots all made him stand out in a crowded field — that’s why I am proud to place my support behind Cory Booker for president.”

Jerry Crawford: “Cory Booker has what America needs most: a passionate commitment to healing the divisions that plague us and return us to civility. He is also blessed with the common sense that is necessary to solve so many of the problems facing our country.”

Labor Activist Marcia Nichols: “Cory Booker is an inspirational candidate who works everyday to protect the middle class and help working Americans fulfill their dreams. Cory has long been a fierce advocate for the working men and women across our nation, which is why I am proud to throw my full support behind him.”

Iowa City Councilwoman Mazahir Salih: “As a Newark council member and then mayor, Cory Booker ran head-first — sometimes literally — at the toughest problems in his city. He’s done the same as a Senator, and I know and trust that he will rise with that same leadership, which is why I am proud to support his candidacy for president.”

Iowa City Councilman Bruce Teague: “Cory knows what it takes to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our communities — and he does it with both grit and grace. Cory has long demonstrated a strong commitment to fighting for all families in Newark and across our nation, which is why I am thrilled to support him as the next President of the United States.”

Cedar Rapids Councilman Dale Todd: “At a time when the most divisive voices in the political arena are often the loudest, we need a proven leader like Cory Booker who will help unite our country and restore our sense of shared values. Cory has a proven track record of getting things done while making sure no one gets left behind, and I am proud to help support his campaign here in Iowa.”

State Central Committee Member Landra Jo Reece: "Cory's commitment to leading with kindness is reflected in his policies to address some of the toughest problems facing our nation. I am proud to support Cory for president because we need someone who will unite the country around progressive policies that help each other, our environment, and the future of our nation."

State Central Committee Member and Teacher Melinda Jones: “We need a leader who will stand up for public school teachers and guarantee them the support and resources necessary to succeed — that's why I'm proud to support Cory Booker for president.”

BACKGROUND ON MEMBERS OF THE IOWA FOR CORY STEERING COMMITTEE: 

Rep. Amy Nielsen was the first Iowa legislator to endorse a 2020 candidate in her support of Cory, and is serving her second term representing Iowa House District 77. She previously served as Mayor of North Liberty, IA from 2014-2016.

Rep. Jennifer Konfrst was the second Iowa legislator to endorse a 2020 candidate in her support of Cory, and is serving her first term representing Iowa House District 43. She is also an Assistant Professor at Drake University.

Rep. Mark Smith is serving his tenth term in the Iowa House of Representatives and was the Democratic Leader in the Iowa House from 2013-2018.

Jerry Crawford is a longtime leader in Iowa’s Democratic Party, whose long career includes serving as chair of the Polk County Democrats and Iowa Chair of both Hillary Clinton's and John Kerry's successful caucus campaigns.

Labor Activist Marcia Nichols is the former Iowa Political Director for AFSCME, Iowa’s largest public sector union.

Iowa City Councilwoman Mazahir Salih is serving her first term and was reported to be the first Sudanese American elected to public office in the nation.

Iowa City Councilman Bruce Teague is serving his first term on the Iowa City City Council and is a small business owner.

Cedar Rapids Councilman Dale Todd was first elected in 1997 and was the first African American elected to the Cedar Rapids Council.

State Central Committee Member Landra Jo Reece is the youngest member of the Iowa Democratic Party’s State Central Committee, representing the fourth congressional district.

State Central Committee Member Melinda Jones teaches English Language Learners programs (ELL) in Ottumwa, is the former Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party Women’s Caucus, and is currently one of the 2nd District Members of the Iowa Democratic Party’s State Central Committee.
 

---

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2019

---

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2019

ICYMI: First Iowa Elected Official Endorsement Goes to Cory Booker

Nielsen is the first Iowa elected official to endorse any candidate for President in 2020

Des Moines, IA -- This morning, Representative Amy Nielsen became the first Iowa elected official to endorse Cory Booker for President in 2020.

Representative Nielsen hails from North Liberty, Iowa, and is serving her second term in the Iowa House of Representatives. A staunch public education advocate and former mayor of North Liberty, Representative Nielsen is also the first Iowa elected official to endorse any candidate for President in 2020.

Representative Nielsen announced her endorsement in a video posted to Twitter this morning followed by an exclusive guest post on Iowa Starting Line.

Ed-Full Text of Endorsement Video [posted on Twitter at 8:30 a.m on Feb. 26, 2019...39s]

Hi.  I'm State Rep. Amy Nielsen, representing Iowa's Housse District 77.  I want to take just a moment of your time to talk to you about my friend Cory Booker.  When he was mayor of Newark, Cory was able to bring people together to accomplish things that others said were impossible.  And as a former mayor myself I know the types of tough decisions that you must make when you're the city's chief executive officer and how that prepares you tackle big things in the future.  Now more than ever, we need Cory's message of optimism and unity.  And that's why I'm excited to announce my endorsement for his candidacy of President of the United States, and I hope you will join me.