Former President Bill Clinton endorsed U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney's re-election bid amid a Democratic primary scheduled for Aug. 23.
Clinton's endorsement for Maloney came the same day as the Hudson Valley lawmaker was also endorsed by the New York State United Teachers, a labor organization.
The nod from Clinton also carries weight given he is a constituent for Maloney in the district. Maloney also worked as an aide in the Clinton administration.
"We need a proven leader like Sean to continue our progress and stand against the assault on our freedoms, including reproductive rights, voting rights, and even the right to Social Security and Medicare which citizens have already paid for," Clinton said in a statement. "They want them to expire every five years unless re-enacted. Sean has proved he can win tough elections and build coalitions to get things done for our communities and continue our progress. As a resident of the district, I look forward to voting for Sean on Aug. 23, and I urge all my neighbors to do the same.”
Maloney faces state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi in the Democratic primary this month.
“I began my career in public service working for President Clinton’s 1992 ‘Putting People First’ campaign, and that is the same approach I’ve taken throughout my career," Maloney said. "Just this month, I’ve taken on big oil companies, Pharma, and the gun lobby so we can finally combat climate change, lower drug prices, and ban assault weapons. I’m proud to continue President Clinton’s legacy of putting people first.”