Texas lawmaker endorses Eliot Engel

Texas Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez on Thursday endorsed New York Rep. Eliot Engel (D), who is facing a tough primary challenge in his reelection bid from a progressive Democrat.

Engel, a veteran lawmaker who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is fighting to keep his seat against Jamaal Bowman, a middle school principal who’s received the backing of top progressive names like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Gonzalez, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, praised Engel’s service at home and abroad.

“For the last three decades, Congressman Eliot Engel has delivered real and lasting results for the people of the Bronx and Westchester,” said Gonzalez. 

“Since taking the helm of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Chairman Engel has conducted thorough oversight of the Trump administration’s misguided policies, led the fight to increase election security, and fought to uphold American principles of peace, democracy and rule-of-law at home and abroad,” added Gonzalez.

Gonzalez represents a border district and supports increasing engagement in Latin America, particularly with Mexico and Central America.

Engel has been a vocal advocate of maintaining U.S. aid to the region, and was critical of the Trump administration’s cuts to Central American aid.

“In these uncertain times, our country needs his steady leadership and experience in Congress more than ever,” said Gonzalez.