Deval Patrick, the previous governor of Massachusetts, has endorsed his former scholar at Harvard College within the Democratic major race in Georgia’s thirteenth Congressional District, the place 80-year-old U.S. Rep. David Scott is being challenged for his seat, theGrio solely studies.
The transfer stands to present Everton Blair Jr.’s marketing campaign some momentum in a crowded major race to unseat Scott, who has confronted criticisms over his growing old and misplaced a strong Home committee place. Patrick, one in every of solely three Black governors elected in United States historical past, brings important nationwide assist to Blair.
“Everton Blair is a deeply caring servant chief with large concepts and a document of getting issues completed,” Governor Patrick informed theGrio. “I had the privilege of attending to know Everton as a graduate scholar of mine at Harvard and am excited for the recent management he brings. As an educator, problem-solver, and public servant, Everton understands that politics is about increasing alternative and dignity for everybody, not simply the highly effective or those that already agree with him.”
Georgia’s thirteenth is a solidly Democratic district in Atlanta’s jap suburbs. Rep. Scott has represented the district since 2003. The congressman, who grew to become the primary Black chairman of the U.S. Home Committee on Agriculture, is going through a dozen challengers, together with “Actual Housewives of Potomac” star Dr. Heavenly Kimes.
“I’m deeply honored to have Governor Patrick’s endorsement,” Blair stated in a press release supplied to theGrio. “Governor Patrick spent his profession increasing alternative, on the Justice Division, within the personal sector, and as a groundbreaking governor who invested in training and communities.”
Blair, a former highschool math instructor, made historical past in 2018 when he grew to become the primary Black member and youngest-ever member elected to the Gwinnett County Board of Schooling. The son of Jamaican immigrants has labored on training coverage on the district, state, and federal ranges, and served on the White Home Initiative on Academic Excellence below former President Barack Obama.
“In a second when our lecture rooms, our economic system, and our democracy are below actual pressure, America wants leaders who will present up, pay attention intently, and work arduous to make their constituents’ lives higher,” stated Patrick. “The folks of Georgia’s thirteenth District could be lucky to have him combating for them in america Congress.”
Georgia’s major elections are on Could 19, 2026. The winner of the congressional contest will virtually actually win subsequent yr’s basic election, given the district’s electoral make-up.
Blair is working on a marketing campaign platform targeted on affordability, strengthening public faculties, increasing entry to well being care, and defending democracy and civil rights.
“This marketing campaign has at all times been about our neighbors, not about titles,” stated Blair. “I made a decision to run as a result of Congress wants new vitality, and our district wants stronger illustration. Change can’t wait in GA-13, and the longer term is dependent upon what we do proper now.”
