OAKLAND, CA — Today, former Congressman Jerry McNerney joined Congresswoman and candidate for U.S. Senate Barbara Lee to announce his endorsement of her historic campaign, speaking to her strong understanding of California’s needs, from health care for all to reproductive freedom. Lee and McNerney, both hailing from Northern California, partnered on key initiatives in Congress, including serving as founding members of the Medicare For All caucus, and forming a bicameral coalition to demand greater climate action.

“I had the privilege to spend my time in the House working alongside Congresswoman Lee, passing pivotal advancements for affordable healthcare, reproductive freedom, pro-democracy reform, equitable education, and urgently addressing our climate emergency,“ said former Representative McNerney. “As a fellow Bay Area representative, I also hold an enduring appreciation for the way in which Rep. Lee showed up for her constituents — in presence, in policy, and in funding for the community. I know she’ll bring the same dedication as the next Senator of California.”

McNerney joins a robust group of California leaders supporting Lee as an experienced policymaker and skilled coalition-builder needed in the U.S. Senate, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, and former Rep. and current Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass.

“Jerry and I share a bond not only as colleagues representing the Bay Area, but because of a mutual commitment to some of the defining challenges of our time, from our mounting climate crisis to humane immigration reform,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Earning his endorsement is a great point of pride — and a new chapter of partnership to bring change to working families and those too often left without a voice in California.”