CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a story published on March 15, 2021.
On Monday morning, Congressional-hopeful Nina Turner announced she'd received the public endorsement of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a leader with some of the most progressive policies within the Democratic Party.
Turner, who is currently vying to fill the seat in Ohio's 11th Congressional District left by now-Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge, announced her candidacy in mid-December.
RELATED: Former State Senator Nina Turner to announce bid for Ohio's 11th Congressional seat on Tuesday
"I’m proud to endorse Nina Turner for Congress in Ohio's 11th Congressional District. Nina is a bold, unapologetic progressive who has spent her entire career advocating for the working people of Northeast Ohio, and a powerful voice for progressive values and policies that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of working people across this country — like Medicare for All, a $15 minimum wage, and a Green New Deal. I need her alongside me in Congress in the fight for racial, economic, social, and environmental justice.” said Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez.
“I am very honored to have the support and endorsement of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. We stand in solidarity together in this movement to lift up the poor, working poor, and barely middle class. I look forward to working side by side with her in Congress to deliver on progressive policies like Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and the cancellation of student debt.” said Turner in response to the endorsement from Rep. Ocasio-Cortez.
A former Cleveland City Council-member and Ohio State Senator, Turner is known for her progressive beliefs and her close relationship with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent known for his progressive policies. Like Sen. Sanders, Turner has also earned a national following for her progressive politics and blunt commentary.
Last week, Turner talked with 3News' Russ Mitchell about her interest in the open-seat and why she thinks she is the best person to fill the spot.
"Because I love this community so very much," Turner said. "I've been blessed to serve this community as a councilwoman and a state senator and I want to continue my service in the halls of Congress, bringing passion and compassion that I have to be a bridge-builder and work tirelessly to change the material conditions of people in this district."
Turner faces opposition from current Democratic Party Chairwoman for Cuyahoga County Shontel Brown, who has been endorsed by Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio's 3rd Congressional District.
On March 18, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced the special election to fill the seat will be held on Nov. 2, 2021, and a primary for the seat is currently scheduled for Aug. 3, 2021.
“Though the Senate took a much longer time than expected to confirm Secretary Fudge, the Governor has picked an election schedule that is fair to both candidates and voters alike, and consistent with past special election timelines,” LaRose said. “Voters in the 11th district are going to get the same accessible, accurate, and secure election to which they and all Ohioans have become accustomed.”
Editor's note: the video in the player below is from a story published on March 19, 2021.