Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona) announces his endorsement of Victoria Steele for Arizona's 2nd Congressional District. Photo from Grijalva for Congress / Facebook
#NativeVote16 – Raúl Grijalva endorses Victoria Steele
By Mark Trahant
TrahantReports.Com U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva endorsed Victoria Steele Tuesday saying he is confident that she will win the primary. He said Steele would champion the rights of women, promote climate change legislation, and support “rational” comprehensive immigration reform. “From raising the minimum wage, creating a pathway to citizenship, and combating climate change, Victoria will have a willing partner in Congress to take on some of the most important issues facing Americans and our planet today,” Grijalva said. “I’m proud to endorse her, and we will do what we can to help her. I’m very confident that she will win the primary and I think she will do very well in the general.” Steele, who is Seneca, is campaigning for the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Martha McSally in Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District. She must first win a primary against Matt Heinz, a former state legislator. “Defeating Martha McSally, and delivering strong leadership that benefits the families of Southern Arizona begins with unifying Democrats, so I’m humbled and honored to receive the endorsement of Rep. Raul Grijalva,” Steele said. The Steele campaign also announced the endorsement of The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 933. “The 1,300 plus members of IAMAW Local 933 and I believe in an America where everybody who works hard, plays by the rules, dreams big, and believes in a better tomorrow has a chance to succeed,” Steele said in an email. “Many in Congress demonize collective bargaining and want to dismantle pension plans, cut wages, lengthen hours, and cut back health benefits and vacation hours. This does not help families get ahead in today’s economy.” Mark Trahant is the Charles R. Johnson Endowed Professor of Journalism at the University of North Dakota. He is an independent journalist and a member of The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. On Twitter @TrahantReports
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