Presidential hopeful Cory Booker endorsing Marie Newman for Congress

WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential contender Cory Booker will endorse Democratic House hopeful Marie Newman in a primary rematch against Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Ill., on Thursday morning.

This is the latest in a string of high-profile national endorsements for Newman in a four-way primary for the 3^rd Congressional District seat. She narrowly lost the 2018 primary to Lipinski in a one-on-one match. In the heavily Democratic district, the primary winner is the likely next member of Congress.

“Marie Newman is a small business owner and activist who believes that health care is a right for every American, that women have a constitutionally-protected right to reproductive health care like abortion, and that LGBTQ individuals deserve the same rights and protections as everyone else,” Booker, a New Jersey senator, said in a statement.

“That is why I believe it is time for new leadership in Illinois’ Third District from a candidate who shares our party’s values. I am proud to support Marie, who will be a champion for equality and justice for the families of her district. I look forward to campaigning with and for her tomorrow and in the coming months.”

Booker, in Chicago for his own presidential campaign fundraisers, will unveil his endorsement at an 11 a.m. Friday event with Newman open to the public at Cocula Restaurant, 5241 S. Pulaski Rd. His campaign said he will “talk about his vision to unite our nation after years of division under Donald Trump and to create justice and opportunity for everyone.”

Regarding national endorsements, in September, Newman won the support of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., the controversial, charismatic freshman.

Newman earlier landed backing from presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, the senators from Massachusetts and Vermont. Before they dropped out of the 2020 White House race, Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee backed Newman’s campaign.

She has also been endorsed by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif.