Jan 20, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Bernie Sanders endorsed by key progressive Rep. Pramila Jayapal

 Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders during a June rally in Santa Monica.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders during a June rally in Santa Monica. Photo: Jonathan Alcorn/AFP via Getty Images

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders for president on Sunday.

Why it matters: With Jayapal's endorsement, Sanders has the backing of both CPC co-chairs, after Rep. Mark Pocan endorsed him last week. He also has the support of influential progressive Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib.

  • Ocasio-Cortez called Jayapal's endorsement of Sanders a "[r]eally big deal." "Pramila is a major leader in the House, carries the Medicare for All bill & co-chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus," she tweeted.

The big picture: The endorsement was seen as a blow for his fellow progressive 2020 rival Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

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