Governor Brown Endorses Anthony Portantino for California State Senate

California Gov. Jerry Brown has endorsed Democratic candidate Anthony Portantino in the heated 25th district State Senate race against Republican Michael Antonovich, a statement from the Portantino campaign said Thursday.

“Anthony Portantino has been a champion for public education and fiscal responsibility — both in his community and in the State Legislature,” the statement quotes Brown as having said. “I endorse him for State Senate.”

In response, Portantino said he is proud to have the governor’s endorsement and is looking forward to working as a partner “in the efforts to strengthen public and higher education, demand fiscal transparency and accountability for taxpayers and continue leading our climate leadership for future generations.”

“This endorsement underscores years of hard work and a record of proven public service for this community and provides a lot of momentum for our campaign heading into the final two weeks of this election,” Portantino said.

Brown’s endorsement follows statements of support for the educator, former mayor and member of the State Assembly from other distinguished leaders in the state.

Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Kamala Harris, State Treasurer John Chiang, State Controller Betty Yee, and district’s current Senator Carol Liu said they were endorsing Portantino’s candidacy.