Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders secured the support of the nation’s most prominent Muslim political action committee on Feb. 20, acquiring an ever-growing pool of diverse and progressive supporters.
“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of Emgage Action,” Sanders said in a statement on Twitter. “Our movement is working to bring Muslims and people of all backgrounds into the political system. Together we will create an economy, justice system, and immigration system that are rooted in human rights for all.”
Emgage PAC, which describes itself as the biggest Muslim political action committee in the country, voiced its endorsement for the Sanders presidential campaign today per the organization’s CEO, Wa’el Alzayat, in a statement.
“More than any other presidential candidate, Senator Sanders has built a historically inclusive and forward-thinking movement: one that represents America as a set of ideas grounded in the belief that all humans are equal and worthy of a dignified life,” Alzayat said.
“Our endorsement is intended to galvanize Muslim Americans at the polls to ensure that our voices are heard,” Alzayat added. Furthermore, we hope that this endorsement marks a new era of presidential candidates, including Muslim American voices in the political process and policy-making decisions,” he said.
Sanders made efforts to win the support of Muslim voters. He was one of two 2020 presidential contenders who attended the Islamic Society of North America’s annual convention, which was co-hosted by Emgage. He also gained support from Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the first two Muslim women elected to the House.
“From where we’re sitting and what we’ve seen, it doesn’t seem that any major candidate has reached out in the same way,” Alzayat said, according to Politico.
Sanders was also endorsed by Mexican-born congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.), who stated his endorsement of Sanders on Twitter.
“Today, I’m announcing my endorsement of Sen. @BernieSanders for President of the United States,” García said. “I stand with Bernie because we need a president who is consistent, who has the courage to pursue real change, and who will always choose the people over political gain or expediency.”
