Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Rep. Chris Deluzio in Washington, D.C., in April. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Aspinwall) was endorsed by the national progressive group Working Families Party, Axios learned Monday.
Why it matters: Deluzio is expanding his political base ahead of his election against Republican Tony Guy, which could carry him beyond the U.S. House and on to higher ambitions.
The latest: Working Families Party (WFP) is backing Deluzio for his advocacy for a congressional stock trading ban, support for Medicare for All, and his opposition to the Iran war, WFP Western Pennsylvania political director Ashley Comans tells Axios.
- "He knows that we need to end the corporate control of our government, get money out of our politics, and deliver for working families across Western Pennsylvania."
What he's saying: Deluzio said in a statement that "for too long, bootlicker politicians have carried water for the corrupt and powerful, ripping away the American Dream from so many hardworking people."
- Deluzio, a two-term congressman and a Navy veteran, has been upping his populist messaging, taking aim at "corporate jagoffs" who he says are hurting everyday Americans.
State of play: He represents Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District, which includes Beaver County and Allegheny County's northern, eastern, and western suburbs. The Cook Political Report shifted the race from Likely Democratic to Solid Democratic in January.
Context: WFP is a progressive political group with experience running candidates in several states and supporting Democratic candidates in Pennsylvania — like Rep. Summer Lee (D-Swissvale) and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.
Between the lines: Deluzio is among a handful of Dems who have been rumored to have interest in challenging Sen. John Fetterman, Axios' Holly Otterbein reported last year.
- Fetterman's seat is up at the end of 2028. He has angered liberal and progressive Pennsylvanians with his shifting stances, and WFP is working to support Fetterman's primary challengers.
Yes, but: Monday's Deluzio endorsement did not mention Fetterman.
What's next: Election Day is Nov. 3.