Former Vice President Joe Biden endorsed UC San Diego professor Nathan Fletcher on Friday for 4th District County Supervisor, making this the first endorsement from a top politician in this race. This will be Biden’s second endorsement of a California-elected position, following his endorsement of Senator Dianne Feinstein for U.S. Senator.
“Nathan Fletcher served his country and was one of California’s most effective legislators, bringing people together to expand healthcare for workers, protect children from violent crimes, and pass scholarships for middle-class kids,” said Biden in a report from Times of San Diego. “On the county board, Nathan will stand up for our values and fight to help working families.”
Fletcher is a professor of practice in the Political Science Department, teaching classes on public service, government, and politics since 2013. His more popular courses are “How to Win or Lose an Election,” and more notably, a course called “The Voting Rights Act of 1965,” which was featured in The San Diego Union-Tribune.
After announcing his campaign for county supervisor in July 2017, Fletcher has received endorsements from top political figures and organizations, including California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, the San Diego City Democratic Party, the Sierra Club, and Planned Parenthood. Overall, Fletcher has received endorsements from 21 elected officials, 13 Democratic Party leaders, 23 organizations, 7 community leaders, and 13 local activists. A full list of these endorsements can be viewed here.
Fletcher received similar high-profile endorsements from top Democratic politicians during his candidacy for San Diego mayor in 2013, including endorsements from Governor Jerry Brown and Senator Kamala Harris.
Other candidates in the race for 4th District County Supervisor are former San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, State Assemblymember Lori Saldana, retired Chief of the San Diego Fire Department Ken Malbrough, and private sector lawyer Omar Passons.
The primary election will be held on June 5.
Anabel King is a Staff Writer at The Triton. You can follow her @anabelkingg.