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Obama Endorses Second Freshman Democrat in Past Week

President Barack Obama endorsed Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., for re-election on Monday, his second endorsement of a freshman congressman in the past week.  

“Since day one, Eric has shown unwavering dedication to the needs of his constituents — helping veterans secure the benefits they’ve earned, protecting seniors, and ensuring women receive equal pay for equal work,” Obama said in a statement released by the Swalwell campaign. “I enthusiastically support Eric Swalwell’s reelection to Congress so the East Bay can continue to move forward.”  

The endorsement of Swalwell, who represents the Bay Area-based 15th District, followed Obama’s announcement of support on Feb. 28 for Texas Rep. Marc Veasey, who is facing a self-funding challenger in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.  

Last cycle, Swalwell ousted longtime Democratic Rep. Pete Stark in the Golden State’s new top-two primary, in which the two highest vote recipients advance to the general election regardless of party. Swalwell now faces a Democratic primary opponent of his own in state Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett.  

Corbett began preparing for the race before Swalwell was sworn in for his first term. While her position in the state Senate means she is well-connected among the California political class, she has had trouble raising money for her bid. Corbett brought in just $91,000 in the fourth quarter, far less than Swalwell’s $275,000 three-month haul .  

Swalwell and Corbett will face off in the June 3 primary. As the only two candidates in the field, they are likely to face off again in November, though potential candidates have until March 7 to qualify for the ballot.  

California’s 15th District is rated a Safe Democrat contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.

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