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Beto O’Rourke scores New York support from Kathleen Rice

Jessica Parks
Rep. Kathleen Rice pictured in a sit down interview with Blank Slate Media. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)

Former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke, who lost a Senate election in November, has won the support of a Nassau House member after throwing his hat into the ring as one of the many Democrats running for president.

Shortly after his announcement, U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY) tweeted her support for O’Rourke, becoming the first Congress member to endorse the candidate.

“He’s honest, authentic and has the courage of his convictions and a bold vision for our future,” she posted to the social media site. “Most importantly, he’ll build a movement that will rise above the toxic division in our politics and unite this country.”

Not only did the presidential hopeful receive an endorsement from Rice on his first day, but he also raised more than $6.1 million towards his campaign, according to a tweet from O’Rourke’s communications director, Chris Evans.

“Without a dime from PACs, corporations or special interests,” Evans said.

In O’Rourke’s video announcing his presidential bid, the El Paso Democrat discusses universal healthcare, paths to citizenship and criminal justice reform.

“The interconnected crises in our economy, our democracy and our climate have never been greater,” he said. “And they will either consume us or they will afford us the greatest opportunity to unleash the genius of the United States of America.”

O’Rourke’s run for Senate had received national attention due to the Democrat’s aggressive campaign for a statewide office in a Republican stronghold state.

He lost the Senate election to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) by about 2.5 percentage points, or 215,000 votes.

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