And while Lee’s challenger has garnered considerable support, today Lee received a high profile endorsement from former presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont).
In a statement, Sanders said that Lee “is workers' rights, environmental justice, and social justice.” He praised her support of Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and a $15 an hour minimum wage. Lee is the first Black woman from Western Pennsylvania to hold a Pennsylvania state legislative seat.Bernie endorses 9 state legislative candidates: Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lee; SC Reps. Justin Bamberg and Wendell Gilliard; New York Sens. Jessica Ramos, Mike Gianaris and Julia Salazar; as well as candidates Nikil Saval (Pa.), Roslyn Ogburn (Mich.) and Megan Green (Mo.). pic.twitter.com/RFbQxBSmN8
— Daniel Marans (@danielmarans) May 11, 2020
“She is an important voice for our movement in Pennsylvania,” said Sanders. “Right now she is facing a tough primary and needs our support.”
Sanders has one of the largest email lists of any politicians in the U.S. and has been extremely successful in raising large amounts of money from thousands of small-dollar donations.
Lee was among nine state legislative candidates to receive Sanders’ endorsement today. Lee and state Senate candidate Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) were the only candidates endorsed from Pennsylvania.
Along with fellow progressive state Rep. Sara Innamorato (D-Lawrenceville), Lee endorsed Sanders for president earlier this year. Sanders lasted deep into the Democratic Primary Election, but eventually dropped out and endorsed presumptive nominee former Vice President Joe Biden.
Lee has also garnered endorsements from the Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, the Working Families Party, the Young Democrats of Allegheny County, and unions such as SEIU 32 BJ, United Electrical, and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.
Roland has been endorsed by local trades unions, as well as received a somewhat controversial endorsement from the Allegheny County Democratic Committee.