NEWARK – Delaware House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst and several of her Democratic colleagues from the Delaware House of Representatives endorsed Lisa Blunt Rochester and her campaign for Congress in front of a diverse crowd of women at the Women for Lisa kickoff event on Friday, July 22, 2016, in Newark.

“I’m proud to endorse Lisa Blunt Rochester for United States Congress,” said Longhurst. “Lisa won’t simply be the first woman or person of color to represent the First State in Congress, she will be a fierce advocate for the things that matter most – good jobs, strong families, safe communities and a diverse, healthy Delaware that reflects the best in all of us. She will bring a new, fresh perspective on these issues. We need Lisa in Congress.”

Reps. Debra Heffernan, Stephanie T. Bolden, Andria Bennett and Kimberly Williams joined Rep. Longhurst in endorsing Blunt Rochester.

“Lisa Blunt Rochester is a leader,” said Heffernan. “She led two of the most important agencies for Delawareans in state government, built a grassroots organization to champion issues for our most vulnerable citizens, expanded her efforts for women and families across the world, and is now vying to use all of that strength, leadership and background to represent all of us in Washington.”

Senator Margaret Rose Henry, who endorsed Blunt Rochester earlier this year, and EMILY’s List Vice President Lucinda Guinn also attended the event. “Whether it’s working to create equal pay for equal work, more access to paid family & maternity leave or protecting a woman’s access to quality healthcare, Lisa is going to be a strong voice for Delaware’s women and families,” Guinn said. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to endorse and support her.”

In response to these endorsements, Blunt Rochester said. “The women of the Delaware House of Representatives have paved the way for women’s rights in the First State and I’m honored to receive their endorsement. They demonstrate every day that a woman’s voice is vital to creating real change for our country.”

Lisa Blunt Rochester is a former Delaware Secretary of Labor and State Personnel Director.  She is running for Congress to replace the open Congressional seat being vacated by Rep. John Carney.

Supporters can follow the campaign on Facebook (@LisaBluntRochester) and on Twitter (@LisaBRochester). 

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