Senator Cory Booker Endorses Clay Middleton for Mayor of Charleston

Former Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Endorses Candidate in Charleston Mayoral Race

Charleston, SC – Clay Middleton is honored to receive the endorsement of United States Senator Cory Booker. Senator Booker is from Newark, New Jersey, and is the current Junior Senator representing NJ in Congress and has done so for the last 10 years. Senator Booker believes that the American dream isn't real for anyone unless it's within reach of everyone. He has dedicated his life to fighting for those who have been left out, left behind, or left without a voice.

Senator Booker served as Newark’s Mayor from 2006 until 2013. During his tenure, the city experienced economic growth on a scale not seen since the 1960s. In addition, under Senator Booker’s leadership, overall crime declined, affordable housing and green spaces massively expanded, city services were made more efficient, and educational opportunities increased.

Charleston Mayoral candidate Clay Middleton said, “I am humbled to have the support of my former boss, mentor, and advocate for his constituents and folks across the country. Senator Booker is a selfless public servant and former Mayor. The way he led his city became a model for many on how to get things done and truly serve the interest of people while odds were against him and the city of Newark. As Mayor, I would apply those same principles and work ethic to create a city that works for everyone and do everything in my power not to leave any community, neighborhood, or resident behind.

“Clay has his roots deep in service when it comes to South Carolina.,” said Senator Cory Booker. “His humility, selfless acts of service, and belief in Charleston would make him a truly exceptional mayor. I’m a former mayor myself. I know what it takes to run a city, to serve your community, and to get big things done. Clay does too.”

While Senator Booker and Clay Middleton may come from different cities, their passion, commitment, and focus on public service binds them together. Senator Booker provided transformational servant leadership as Mayor, and he knows that is the kind of leadership Clay will bring to City Hall. Not only to address systematic problems and tackle day-to-day issues, but to lay the foundation to create opportunities for a generation of Charlestonians to come.

For more information on Middleton’s race to become Charleston’s next Mayor, visit www.claymiddleton.com.

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Clay Middleton is a native Charlestonian who has dedicated his life to public service. A graduate of The Citadel, he is currently a Lieutenant Colonel serving as a Battalion Commander in the South Carolina Army National Guard. He served as Director of Business Services for the city of Charleston, where he led the Business & Neighborhood Services division. Previously, he served in the Obama administration and longtime aide to Congressman Jim Clyburn.