Schumer endorsed Tahir Javed, an outspoken healthcare executive, in the Democratic race for Texas' 29th District, Javed's campaign announced Wednesday. In a statement, Schumer said Washington needs leaders like Javed who "think outside the box."
"His record as a job creator, healthcare executive, and teacher give him the perfect mix of skills and experience to serve the district and Texas," Schumer said. "Hes been very helpful in electing Democrats across the country, and I am now proud to support him as part of a new generation of leaders we need in Washington."
Javed, a longtime Democratic fundraiser, has said he will "spend whatever it takes" to win against six other candidates in the Democratic primary. In the fourth quarter of last year, he reported loaning his campaign $400,000 on top of $201,000 raised from others.
Schumer's public support for Javed is at odds with the local and federal Democratic establishment, who have largely endorsed state Sen. Sylvia Garcia's bid for the seat. Garcia's supporters include several members of the Texas delegation, the powerhouse fundraising organization EMILY's List and Green himself, who is retiring after 25 years in office.
Elaine Luria is one of the Democrats vying for the chance to challenge U.S. Rep. Scott Taylor, R-2nd.
She has the blessing of the party elite in Washington. One thing not on her rsum: She voted for Taylor in a Republican primary in 2016 and again in the November general election, when Taylor defeated Democrat Shaun Brown to win the seat.
Elaine doesnt make decisions just based on political party, her campaign manager said by email. Faced with the options on the ballot, she took a chance on fellow veteran Scott Taylor who promised to bring change and be something different, but he broke those promises.