Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has netted an endorsement from Rep. Anthony Brown of Maryland, the first black member of Congress to throw his support to the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana.
The endorsement is significant for Buttigieg, who has been criticized within the party for his scant support among African Americans.
In a press release issued by the Buttigieg compaign, Brown is quoted as saying, “Our country needs a president who can heal our divides and restore decency to our nation’s highest office. Pete’s message is not defined by exclusion but welcomes everyone into the fight to tackle our nation’s greatest challenges. As we fight for the future of the soul of our country here at home, we also remain entangled in endless wars abroad and the threats to American lives and interests around the world have increased. After serving three decades in the Army and Army Reserve and now as Vice Chair of the House Armed Services Committee, I’m acutely aware that the top priority for the President should be the security and safety of our nation, which is why my choice for president is Mayor Pete Buttigieg.”
Brown is a former Colonel of the United States Army Reserve and while Lt. Governor was one of the highest ranking public officials to have served in Iraq and earned the Bronze Star. He served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve for more than 30 years.