Georgia 2018: Abrams nabs Bernie Sanders’ endorsement

Democrat Stacey Abrams earned the support Thursday of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a former presidential candidate who is a hero to many of the party's progressives.

Sanders called Abrams, a former state House minority leader, the “only candidate for governor of Georgia who has real solutions that will help the lives of working people in Georgia.”

Abrams faces former state Rep. Stacey Evans in Tuesday's Democratic primary, and both claim they are the most ardent progressives - a sharp shift from the party's conventional strategy.

Abrams has the support of the lion's share of national groups and other potential 2020 presidential candidates, including U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Kamala Harris. Evans is relying on lower-key endorsements and an argument that Abrams betrayed the party on key issues.

In his endorsement, Sanders touted Abrams’ proposals to expand the pre-kindergarten program, raise the minimum wage, introduce automatic voter registration and eliminate cash bail.

“This is an agenda the working people of Georgia can stand proudly behind,” said Sanders.

More recent AJC coverage of the Georgia governor’s race:

ExploreGeorgia Democrats turn left ahead of primaries. Can it work in a GOP-led state?

ExploreNational forces help shape Georgia governor’s race

ExploreWilliams’ ‘deportation bus’ tour hits a few bumps in the road

ExploreIn Georgia, Democratic primary hinges on appeal to black voters

ExploreAt Democratic debate, a revived fight in Georgia over HOPE scholarship

ExploreA week before the vote, the knives sharpen in Georgia gov race

ExploreEarly voting slow, but Democrats gaining on Republicans in Georgia

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