Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) went to Twitter on Wednesday to announce her decision to endorse presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
Omar said Sanders is the only candidate that has built a movement that transcends gender, ethnicity and religion.
"We know that in order to take on Trump, we're going to need a unifier, someone who understands what the fight looks like and someone who is ready to defeat him," Omar said.
.@BernieSanders isn’t fighting to win just one presidential election — he’s fighting for the soul of our democracy.
Here’s more on why I’m so proud to give Bernie my endorsement for president of the United States: pic.twitter.com/1NLMPnzS1x
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) October 16, 2019
The Somalia-born congresswoman said she is inspired by Sanders because he helped build an America she dreamed about.
"There is an America that most people believe in," she said. "He started the work of organizing for that America and that has inspired me to get involved and run myself, to help other also organize for that America."
Omar said Sanders is the only candidate that is proposing a complete cancellation of student debt, the only candidate that is proposing to provide universal school meals and the only candidate that wants to end endless wars.
"The senator is someone who understands that our movement isn't just for a few. It's for everyone," Omar said. "The senator is the only candidate that isn't about leaning a particular way, but being true to yourself and fighting for what you believe regardless of what the obstacles are."
She noted some of the work she has already done with Sanders, including a proposed bill that would cancel a $1.6 trillion student debt in the U.S.
"Bernie is also well aware that America doesn’t suffer from scarcity — we suffer from greed," Omar tweeted. "Together we brought forward legislation to cancel all $1.6 trillion of student debt and pay for it with a small tax on Wall Street speculation."
Bernie is also well aware that America doesn’t suffer from scarcity — we suffer from greed. Together we brought forward legislation to cancel all $1.6 trillion of student debt and pay for it with a small tax on Wall Street speculation.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) October 16, 2019
In regards to another recent bill focusing on school lunch, Omar said she is working with Sanders to make sure all students can get hot meals.
"Bernie Sanders knows that in one of the richest countries in the world, no student should go without a hot meal," Omar said. "This week, we introduced a universal school lunch bill to make sure every student who wants a hot meal can get one year-round."
Bernie Sanders knows that in one of the richest countries in the world, no student should go without a hot meal. This week, we introduced a universal school lunch bill to make sure every student who wants a hot meal can get one year-round.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) October 16, 2019
According to CNN, Sanders released a statement to show his support for Omar.
"Ilhan is a leader of strength and courage," Sanders said. "She will not back down from a fight with billionaires and the world's most powerful corporations to transform our country so it works for all of us. I'm proud of what we've done in Congress and together we will build a multiracial working-class coalition to win the White House."
Sanders has also received an endorsement from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.
Ocasio-Cortez plans to join Sanders at his campaign rally in Queens Saturday, according to the Washington Post.
