Bernie Sanders endorses Susheela Jayapal in Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District primary

Mar

2024

PRESS RELEASE

Bernie Sanders endorses Susheela Jayapal in Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District primary

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has endorsed former Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal in the Democratic primary for Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District.

The endorsement from the nationally-recognized figure could be a boon for Jayapal in what is expected to be a competitive primary to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer.

“For many years, Susheela Jayapal has been an outstanding progressive leader in Oregon,” Sanders said in a statement. “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.”

“I’m honored and thrilled that Sen. Bernie Sanders, a champion for affordable health care and climate action, has chosen to endorse my campaign,” Jayapal said in a statement. “Sen. Sanders joins dozens of leaders and organizations, who know I’m the progressive champion Oregonians need fighting for our families and communities in Congress.”

Democrats outnumber Republicans more than three to one in the district, which includes most of Multnomah County and stretches into Hood River and northeastern Clackamas counties. That means the real race to take over Blumenauer’s seat will come in the Democratic primary, with the winner of the May primary expected to coast to victory in November.

Blumenauer has not endorsed any of the candidates in the race.

Jayapal ‘s sister, Pramila Jayapal, has represented Seattle in Congress since 2017, developing a national profile as a progressive Democrat. Along with Sanders’ endorsement, Jayapal has also been endorsed by her sister and U.S. Reps. Ro Khanna of California, Mark Pocan of Wisconsin and David Scott of Georgia.

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