Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego endorses Joe Biden for president

PHOENIX — Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego on Wednesday endorsed Democratic Party nominee Joe Biden for president.

President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak was among the reasons Gallego cited for her decision.

“I could not be prouder or more ready to endorse Vice President Joe Biden for President,” Gallego said in a press release.

“While President Trump is ignoring the needs of working families amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe Biden has been leading with compassion, empathy, and plans to unite the country and help America recover.”

Gallego also said she believes Biden’s nomination will contribute to Arizona becoming a blue state.

Our country continues to face an unprecedented moment in history where steady & tested leadership is essential. This is why we must elect @JoeBiden the next president of the United States.

The path to the presidency runs right through PHX & Maricopa County. Let’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/W36v8KwLeJ

— Kate Gallego (@KateWGallego) June 10, 2020

Prior to Gallego’s endorsement, a poll conducted by OH Predictive Insights in May showed Biden to be leading Trump among Arizona likely voters — 50% to 43%.

The former vice president officially secured his party’s nomination on Friday, setting him up for a general election contest against Trump as the U.S. continues to experience nationwide protests, an uncertain economic climate and a continuing coronavirus pandemic.

After Sen. Bernie Sanders ended his campaign in April, Biden had been the Democratic Party’s de facto leader, but did not obtain the necessary delegate count — 1,991 — until after seven states and the District of Columbia held presidential primaries on June 2.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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