GREAT NEWS!
CNN:
Jayapal's decision means Sanders now has the backing of both CPC co-chairs. Wisconsin Rep. Mark Pocan announced his endorsement of Sanders last week. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who tweeted that Jayapal's support was a "really big deal," Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib lined up behind the Vermont senator last year.
Jayapal, representing Washington state, is the lead sponsor of the House "Medicare for All" bill and had been courted by both Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, for whom she issued a key statement of support in November amid criticism on the left of Warren's revised Medicare for All "transition" plan.
"I'm all in for @BernieSanders for President!," Jayapal tweeted on Sunday. "Bernie has the bold passion, authenticity & clarity that working people across this country desperately need. We are building the progressive movement that will bring justice & opportunity & transform our country. Join us!"
CNBC:
Following Jayapal’s support, Sanders has now secured several endorsements from top leaders and women of color in the Democratic party, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).
He also won the support from the top current leadership team of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC): Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Omar, the chief whip for the CPC.
Jayapal also confirmed that she will become the national health policy chair for the Sanders campaign.
Jayapal will be joining Bernie on the campaign trail in Iowa.