California Gov. Gavin Newsom has endorsed Joe Biden’s run for the presidency.
The Democrat said he “couldn’t be more proud” of Biden or the prospect of his presidency. Newsom made the announcement Friday during an expensive virtual fundraiser that was done in concert with the Democratic National Committee.
Newsom lauded the former vice president for his “deep compassion and empathy” while making the endorsement. “I’m enlivened by your candidacy,” the governor said. “I’m proud of your service, as we all are. This is a unique moment in time and unique moment in our history.”
Biden responded to the endorsement by saying that Newsom was doing “one hell of a job” as governor during the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced political events such as the one on Friday evening online.
During the health crisis, Newsom has repeatedly reached across party lines and thanked President Trump for providing federal assistance.
The endorsement came the same day that Newsom signed an executive order directing the state to mail every registered voter a ballot for the November election in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Republicans have pushed back on the notion of mail-in voting, with Trump claiming it could lead to voter fraud.
