House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer Endorses Raja for Congress

Press Release

U.S. House Democratic Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD-5) is backing Raja Krishnamoorthi in the Democratic primary for the 8th Congressional District of Illinois. The endorsement follows key labor union support of Raja announced last week from the International Association of Ironworkers, the Amalgamated Transit Union and the United Steelworkers.

"I'm proud to endorse Raja," said Hoyer, who joined House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi in supporting Raja's campaign. "In Congress, Raja will continue to fight for working families in Illinois' 8th District and ensure that the same programs that were there for his family, like quality public schools and Social Security and Medicare, will be there for future generations."

Rep. Hoyer's leadership role in Congress includes coordinating strategy within the House Democratic Caucus and shaping House Democrats' legislative priorities.

"Drawing on his deep experience in the public and private sector, I am confident that Raja will work tirelessly to create and protect American jobs, defend a woman's right to choose, and strengthen America's gun laws," Hoyer said. "Raja is the best choice to represent Illinois' working families in Congress."

The son of immigrants, Raja grew up in Illinois. After college and law school, he became policy director for Barack Obama's successful U.S. Senate campaign. He also served as a founding prosecutor in Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's anti-corruption unit.

"I am humbled that Steny Hoyer and so many local and national Democratic leaders believe I am the best candidate to hold the 8th District seat for Democrats and build on the strong, progressive record of Tammy Duckworth," Raja said.

A lifelong progressive, Raja is running for Congress to stand up for compassionate immigration reform, real action on climate change, equal pay for women, a more level playing field for the middle class and sane gun laws. He is committed to fighting attempts by the Republican Congress to cut the Social Security and Medicare benefits his parents and millions of other Americans rely on.

Hoyer's endorsement continues Raja's strong momentum with two months left until the March 15 election. Hoyer joins more than 100 leaders and organizations endorsing Raja. In addition to Pelosi and Hoyer, earlier this year Krishnamoorthi earned the support of Former Senior Advisor to President Obama David Axelrod and Rep. Jan Schakowsky, along with the Illinois State Council of Machinists, Air Line Pilots Association, International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 2, OPEIU Local 45, and Illinois Letter Carriers President Ken Christy.

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