Bishop William J. Barber II Endorses Tom Steyer for Governor

Renowned anti-poverty and civil rights champion praised Steyer’s record of standing up for working people, voting rights, and environmental justice

CALIFORNIA — Tonight, Bishop William J. Barber II, one of the nation’s most prominent  social justice leaders, endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate and climate activist Tom Steyer.

Bishop Barber –  the founder of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, a revival of the movement started by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – praised Steyer’s record of fighting for working people and his commitment to addressing poverty and low wages – especially when it was being ignored on the national stage. 

“If I was there, I would be voting for Tom Steyer, because he has proven that he cares about the issues that matter to lift all people,” Bishop Barber said in a video. “Tom is known for what he has stood for, and we thank him for doing that and support his effort to lead California and in some ways begin to lead the nation.” 

Bishop Barber joins a growing list of leaders advocates for working people who have lined up behind Steyer’s campaign for Governor. Read the full list here.

TRANSCRIPT: 

Hello, this is Bishop William J. Barber II. 

Tom Steyer is my friend and brother. 

When we were pushing to make sure that low wages and poverty specifically were a part of the presidential elections, Tom was one of only two candidates who spoke up clearly, interrupted a presidential campaign, and put the issue of poverty on the table.

[...]

He understands that we have to address poverty and voting rights and environmental injustice if we're going to be a true democracy that cares for all and lifts all. 

Now he's running for the governor of the state of California. 

If I was there, I would be voting for Tom Steyer, because he has proven that he cares about the issues that matter to lift all people. 

He's willing to use his influence and his wealth and other things for the betterment of humankind. 

I write this, I say this today as an individual exercising my rights as an individual, as a moral leader to encourage this is not against any other person. 

It is simply to say Tom is known for what he has stood for, and we thank him for doing that and support his effort to lead California and in some ways began to lead the nation.

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