Ohio Endorsements Roll in for Pete Buttigieg Ahead of the Presidential Debate in Westerville
SOUTH BEND, IN -- Ahead of Tuesday’s Democratic presidential debate in Westerville, Ohio, Pete Buttigieg has earned the endorsement of eight prominent elected officials and party leaders from across the state.
These new endorsements build on early support from Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, and Lima Mayor David Berger, demonstrating significant energy behind the Pete for America campaign in Ohio.
Below are the Ohio leaders that announced their endorsement of Pete:
• Joe Schiavoni, Former Democratic State Senate Leader
• Casey Weinstein, State Representative (OH-37)
• James Celebrezze, retired Ohio Supreme Court Justice
• Ken Harbaugh, Navy veteran and former Congressional Candidate
• Greg Landsman, Cincinnati City Council
• Sean Fennell, Newark City Councilmember
• Nick Komives, Toledo City Councilmember
• David Donofrio, Board of Education Member, South-Western City Schools
Joe Schiavoni, Former Democratic State Senate Leader
Excerpted from his op-ed in the Youngstown Vindicator [Link]: “I met Pete in 2017, but I also know him by where he’s from. South Bend, where Pete grew up, is a lot like The Valley. Pete has spent eight years bringing new jobs to South Bend, revitalizing their downtown, and modernizing infrastructure — just like we worked to do at the Statehouse. I know that an honest guy like Pete, from a city like South Bend, won’t turn his back on the Youngstowns, Cantons, and Toledos in our state. Because of his background in the military, the private sector, and as mayor, Pete speaks about issues in ways that real people understand. Pete listens, and he connects. As an attorney and former legislator, I find the best approach to be work first, but fight when you have to. That’s the kind of leader I want in the Oval Office. And that’s why I’m supporting Mayor Pete Buttigieg for president of the United States.”
Casey Weinstein, State Representative
“I am honored and proud to be on Team Pete. I admire the Mayor for stepping up to serve our nation, for coming back home to throw his heart and expertise into serving South Bend, and for representing our generation so admirably to the nation. I appreciate his executive, city-level experience and the midwestern perspective he brings to his bold policy ideas. Pete understands how to lift up all Americans, and he will make an incredible President!”
James Celebrezze, retired Ohio Supreme Court Justice
“The midwestern sensibility that Mayor Buttigieg brings to his candidacy is the same type of leadership and dedication that is needed for our country at this time. A career built on service to our nation and one that will rebuild integrity and forward thinking.”
Ken Harbaugh, Former Congressional Candidate (OH-7)
"I'm proud to support my fellow Navy veteran Pete Buttigieg. Imagine the contrast in a general election, between a millennial who stepped up to serve after 9/11, and our current Commander-in-Chief, who ran as fast as he could in the other direction when it was his turn to serve. Pete is the right candidate to take on Trump, unify the American people, and move our country forward in this make-or-break moment."
Greg Landsman, Cincinnati City Council
“Successfully leading a midwestern city is crucial experience. Pete also knows we have to do everything in our power to rebuild our middle class, and to do so in a way that includes everyone. He’s plans, including on racial justice and expanding opportunities for all Americans, are workable and needed. Finally, Mayor Pete asked for my support, and he knows that people want to be asked to help. That’s the leadership we need now more than ever.”
Sean Fennell, Newark City Councilmember
"As a fellow local elected official I fully endorse Mayor Pete Buttigieg for president. His success as mayor demonstrate his ability to connect with diverse groups of people where they live and work. Pete's service as a mayor and in the military give him the perfect experience without all of the partisan distractions in Washington. I know he will listen and work to bring our country back together."