Obama Endorses Bill de Blasio for Mayor

President Barack Obama officially endorsed Democratic mayoral hopeful Bill de Blasio on Monday morning.
Obama Endorses Bill de Blasio for Mayor
U.S. President Barack Obama addresses members of the Business Roundtable September 18, 2013 at the Business Roundtable Headquarters in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Kristen Meriwether
9/23/2013
Updated:
9/23/2013

NEW YORK—President Barack Obama officially endorsed Democratic mayoral hopeful Bill de Blasio on Monday morning.

“Progressive change is the centerpiece of Bill de Blasio’s vision for New York City, and it’s why he will be a great mayor of America’s largest city. Whether it’s ensuring pre-kindergarten is available for every four-year old, expanding after-school programs for every middle school student who wants and needs them, making affordable housing available for more New York families and preserving community hospitals, Bill’s agenda for New York is marked by bold, courageous ideas that address the great challenges of our time,” Obama said in a statement.

“I am deeply honored by President Obama’s endorsement,” de Blasio said in a statement.

“If I am fortunate to earn the trust of the people of New York on November 5th, I will work every day to advance our shared value of making sure everyone has a fair shot. On health care, tax fairness or the economy, the President is no stranger to addressing big problems with big ideas and big solutions. I will emulate the example he has set, and if elected I stand eager to work with him on an urban agenda that grows prosperity for all.”

The president, who does not reside in New York City, will not be eligible to vote in the Nov. 5 election, however, his ringing endorsement is the latest in a string of high profile Democrats to back the public advocate in his bid to replace Mayor Michael Bloomberg.