WASHINGTON DC (TIP): Indian American Rep. Ami Bera, D-Sacramento received endorsements from the California Democratic Party Feb. 27, during the state convention.
Bera won his endorsement, gaining nearly 90 percent of the vote. Fifty people voted for the sole Indian American in Congress, while six voted against him.
Bera – who is seeking his third term in office – is running unopposed in the primary election June 7. He will face Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones – a Republican – in the general election Nov. 8.
Bera has been opposed by some labor organizations for his vote last year supporting the Trade Promotion Authority bill in the House, which allows the president to “fast-track” trade treaties with certain countries, without Congressional oversight.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, told party delegates before the endorsement vote was taken that Bera’s position on TPA was different from her position, but that his vote on the issue should not be the sole basis for his re-election.
“He is a valued member of the Congress. He has a great base of support at the grassroots level and I think he will win,” said Pelosi.