State Sen. Adam Ebbin and Del. Mark Keam endorse Pete Buttigieg for President

Two Democratic state lawmakers, state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) and Del. Mark Keam (D-Fairfax) announced they would support South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg for President.

Their endorsements come ahead of Buttigeig’s appearance this Saturday at the Blue Commonwealth Gala, the Democratic Party of Virginia’s annual fundraiser in Richmond. Buttigieg will deliver a speech at the event, as will fellow 2020 nominee U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

Ebbin and Keam are among the first Virginia state lawmakers to make public endorsements in the 2020 Democratic presidential campaign. By supporting Buttigieg, they join Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who was the first member of Virginia’s congressional delegation to endorse the candidate affectionately known as ‘Mayor Pete.’

“Throughout my political career I have had the opportunity to work with only a handful of candidates who simultaneously embody pragmatic progressive reform, and possess both the strong commitment to our nation formed by service and the ability to effectively outline achievable aspirations,” Ebbin said in a press release. “Mayor Buttigieg embodies these qualities, and more importantly proves that these talents are not dwindling in America — they are thriving.”

Keam said Buttigieg is “exactly the right leader for our times” and said he “puts his progressive values and vision for an inclusive and compassionate society into action as he embraces Americans of all backgrounds.”

Norfolk City Councilwoman Andria McClellan also endorsed Buttigieg.

Photo © Lorie Shaull