President Obama Makes First Major Endorsement Since He Left Office
LOS ANGELES -- President Barack Obama strongly endorsed Mayor Eric Garcetti for re-election today. This is the first major endorsement that President Obama has made since he left office.
"As Mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti has delivered by raising the minimum wage, creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity. This past November, Eric led the campaign to pass the largest transportation infrastructure measure in our nation's history. Eric is my friend, loyal ally and a great and visionary Mayor of Los Angeles. I strongly endorse Eric Garcetti for a second term as Mayor of Los Angeles.”
"I am honored and humbled to be endorsed by my friend and ally in making LA work for everyone, President Barack Obama," Mayor Garcetti said. "President Obama led us from the Great Recession, extended healthcare to millions of people and brought millions more closer to equality. Our work together helped create jobs, build infrastructure and lift people from poverty all across our city. I am so proud to have President Obama on my side as I run for re-election so I can keep getting things done for Los Angeles."
Deeply honored to receive President @BarackObama’s endorsement today. Thank you, my friend. https://t.co/rKJV2OOGIb #TeamGarcetti pic.twitter.com/4DDYwSsHnX
— Eric Garcetti (@ericgarcetti) February 7, 2017
President Obama and Mayor Garcetti have known and worked with each other for over a decade, and Garcetti was an early endorser of his presidential bid. Mayor Garcetti worked closely with the Obama Administration to secure billions of dollars in funding for Los Angeles infrastructure, anti-poverty Promise Zones and aerospace manufacturing. President Obama and Mayor Garcetti also worked closely together on ending homelessness, community policing and raising the minimum wage.
Photo: Gage Skidmore: bit.ly/cc-bo-eg