Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) endorsed former Virginia Del. Jay Jones (D) for the state’s attorney general on Tuesday ahead of the primary this month, becoming the latest national Democrat to wade into Virginia’s down-ballot races this year.
“Jay Jones will be a tireless fighter for Virginia families as Attorney General, and that’s why I’m so excited to announce my endorsement today,” Booker said in a statement. “Jay Jones has the vision, commitment, and integrity to keep families safe and make sure every Virginian gets a fair shake in the justice system. I’ll be working every day to ensure Jay wins this race.”
Jones is running against fellow Democrat Shannon Taylor, who serves as the commonwealth’s attorney for Henrico County, in the party’s primary on June 17.
Jones has shored up a number of endorsements, including former Govs. Terry McAuliffe (D) and Ralph Northam (D), while Taylor has the backing of former state Attorney General Mark Herring (R ) and former Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (D), among other Democrats.
Whoever wins the Democratic primary will face off against the state’s current Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) in November.
Booker is the latest national Democrat to endorse ahead of the state’s primaries later this month. On Monday, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg backed Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney (D) in the crowded Democratic primary for Virginia lieutenant governor.