Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chair endorses Sanders

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), one of the House’s top progressives, endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders’s (I) presidential campaign Thursday as the Vermont lawmaker racks up support from progressive politicians and advocacy groups.

Pocan, who co-chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus and will now chair Sanders’s campaign in Wisconsin, praised the senator’s progressive platforms as the “antidote” to the nation’s struggles.

“For three years now, Donald Trump has poisoned our nation with his failure, corruption, and xenophobia,” Pocan said in a statement. “Bernie Sanders’ authenticity, honesty, and movement for equality is the antidote our nation needs now.”

“I am proud to endorse a candidate that shares my progressive values and has long been an advocate for the issues Wisconsinites care most about. From health care to a living wage, it’s time we work for working people, and with Bernie Sanders as president – we can do just that.” 

Pocan in a video announcing his endorsement explained that he believes Sanders can motivate the Democratic Party’s base in Wisconsin, a key 2020 battleground state that President Trump narrowly won by roughly 23,000 votes in 2016. 

“Donald Trump won Wisconsin by 23,000 votes. But our problem was we had a big dropoff in Democratic voters. About 250,000 Democrats that normally come out didn’t come out, and the problem was they weren’t mobilized and they weren’t excited and invigorated,” said Pocan. “Having that turnout come back, Wisconsin will be in the blue column.” 

Pocan’s announcement is the latest in a string of endorsements from progressive individuals and groups for Sanders as he battles Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) for the primary field’s liberal mantle.

Among Sanders’s most recent high-profile endorsers are Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the Sunrise Movement, Dream Defenders and several local union groups. Warren has earned the backing of Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and the Working Families Party.

Sanders praised Pocan following his endorsement on Thursday, citing his opposition to U.S. trade deals that have become a focal point of scrutiny among progressives. 

“I’m so proud that Rep. Pocan is supporting our movement and will chair our campaign in Wisconsin,” Sanders said. “Mark Pocan is a champion of workers rights and has always stood up to the horrible corporate trade deals that have outsourced millions of jobs. Donald Trump lied to workers in 2016 and then betrayed them as president. With Mark’s help, we will win Wisconsin in 2020 and defeat Donald Trump.”