Bloomberg gets first congressional endorsement

Moderate Rep. Max Rose (D-N.Y.) on Monday became the first House member to endorse former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (D) for president.

Rose, an Army veteran who was elected during the Democratic wave in 2018, praised Bloomberg’s tenure as mayor, saying he believes the billionaire businessman has the potential to bridge the partisan divide in politics while highlighting his work following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

“The city Mike Bloomberg inherited in 2002 was reeling from the worst terrorist attack in American history and facing economic recession. There were real fears nothing would ever feel or be the same again. Mike Bloomberg took the reins, brought New York City back to life and put us on track to lead in the 21st century,” Rose said in a statement.

“Mayor Bloomberg’s even-keeled and visionary leadership is what we need to reduce the chaos, partisanship and hyper-vitriol that has overtaken Washington,” he added.

Bloomberg, who succeeded Rudy Giuliani as mayor of New York in 2002, thanked Rose for his support and praised his work in the House.

“Max Rose understands what public service is all about: working for the people, not a political party, lobbyists, or your own self-interest,” Bloomberg said in a statement.

“Max knows that the people of Staten Island and South Brooklyn sent him to Congress to get stuff done on critical issues — from tackling the opioid epidemic to ensuring the passage of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund — and his efforts to work across the aisle are exactly what we need more of in Washington. He’s a patriot who served with distinction in the Army, and he continues to serve our country with distinction — and I’m honored to have his endorsement.”

Rose represents a district that voted for President Trump over 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Rose’s endorsement was first reported by The New York Post.