Jacobs, McMurray have high-profile endorsements before special election
Trump backs Jacobs, while Hochul touts McMurray
Nate McMurray, the Democratic Party candidate in a June 23 special election for the 27th Congressional District, has been endorsed by Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul for the position.
Nate McMurray
Hochul used to serve in the position before losing to Chris Collins after redistricting in 2012. Collins vacated the seat on Sept. 30 when he resigned. He awaits sentencing to federal prison on insider trading.
“I believe Nate McMurray will be successful based on the Democratic values he espouses and his track record advocating for the working families and farmers that make up this region,” Hochul said. “I know this district well and am confident that Nate will be a strong representative for all Western New Yorkers when he gets to Washington. We have a critical opportunity on June 23rd to send a national message to Trump and GOP insiders before the General election in November.”
McMurray, an attorney and former Grand Island town supervisor, said, “I’m very proud to have Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul’s support once again. Kathy Hochul has long been a champion for women and families across New York. I look forward to getting to work in Washington and partnering with public servants like her to improve the lives of all New Yorkers and all Americans.”
Chris Jacobs
Chris Jacobs, the Republican candidate in the special election, also was endorsed Tuesday by President Donald Trump.
“Chris Jacobs will be a tremendous Congressman who will always fight for New York,” the president said in a tweet. “He is Strong on the Border, our Military and Vets, and the Second Amendment. Chris has my Complete and Total Endorsement! Vote for Chris on June 23!”
Trump had previously endorsed Jacobs back in February for the special election that was scheduled for April 28. That election was moved back to June 23 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Jacobs, a state senator, said endorsement on Tuesday solidifies that he is the only candidate in the district to carry the President’s endorsement.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of our President for the upcoming primary election, and I’m proud to be the only candidate to carry his endorsement for this district,” Jacobs said. “Western New York needs a conservative leader in Congress to fight for our values, and our President needs an ally who will help him fight for all Americans as we rebuild our nation. Our President has put his trust in me and knows I am the leader he needs in Washington with him working to get tough on China, secure our borders, and build our economy. I look forward to working everyday to help him accomplish his America First Agenda.”
McMurray noted the timing of the Trump endorsement on Tuesday, during widespread national protests for justice and police reform. McMurray said Trump has been divisive during a time when the country needs a leader to bring people together.
“A murder was committed by a police officer on video for all the world to see,” McMurray said. “When a crime is committed like the death of George Floyd and justice isn’t served the result is lawlessness; we can’t condone lawlessness whether it’s committed by our police officers or by rioters. But I fear we are missing the larger picture; millions of peaceful protesters have come together to call for reform to our broken justice system that devalues people based solely upon the color of their skin. These voices must be heard or we will all continue to suffer. If we want the burning to stop, we need to listen, we need to reform, we need to be more focused on peace than violence.”
