CLEVELAND, Ohio – Former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat running for president, unveiled a list of 19 Ohio endorsements just days before he is set to appear on the debate stage in Westerville on Tuesday.
While not including any of Ohio’s congressional delegation, Biden’s list is composed of multiple legislative and local lawmakers, including Cleveland City Councilman Blaine Griffin. Presidential endorsements in Ohio are few and far between as the debate in Westerville approaches, with Biden’s list being the most expansive thus far.
“As an Ohio native, I’m thrilled to announce a great group of Buckeye endorsements ahead of next week’s debate in Westerville," said Biden campaign manager Greg Schultz. "Ohio is crucial to this election, and this campaign will never take it for granted. The legislators and leaders joining us today will not only deepen our broad, diverse coalition, they represent the America we’re fighting for.”
Here is the full list:
- State Sen. Hearcel F. Craig
- State Rep. Rich Brown
- Cleveland City Councilman Blaine Griffin
- Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein
- Lorain City Councilman Cory Shawver
- Lorain County Recorder Judy Nedwick
- South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo
- Garfield Heights Mayor Victor Collova
- Former state Rep. Jay Goyal
- Marion Mayor Scott Schertzer
- Bexley Mayor Ben Kessler
- Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz
- Columbus City Councilman Mitch Brown
- Franklin County Treasurer Cheryl Brooks-Sullivan
- Oakwood Village Councilwoman Eloise Hardin
- Kenn Johnson, Executive Committee Member, Cuyahoga County Democrats
- Melissa Klide Hedden, finance director for Richard Cordray’s 2018 campaign
- Rick Neal, 2018 congressional candidate
- Richard A. Stoff, founder and retired CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable
Toledo Rep. Marcy Kaptur has not officially endorsed any candidate, but said she is “very favorably disposed” to Biden.
A list of other presidential endorsements can be found here.