'Bill’s agenda for New York is marked by bold, courageous ideas,' said the president. Obama endorses NYC's de Blasio

New York city mayoral hopeful Bill de Blasio picked up a boost from the nation’s top Democrat on Monday, as President Barack Obama endorsed him in the mayor’s race.

Obama highlighted de Blasio’s position on education, affordable housing and community hospitals in the endorsement.


“Progressive change is the centerpiece of Bill de Blasio’s vision for New York City, and it’s why he will be a great mayor of America’s largest city,” Obama said in a statement. “Bill’s agenda for New York is marked by bold, courageous ideas that address the great challenges of our time.”

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De Blasio returned the praise in his own statement.

“I am deeply honored by President Obama’s endorsement,” de Blasio said. “On health care, tax fairness or the economy, the president is no stranger to addressing big problems with big ideas and big solutions. I will emulate the example he has set, and if elected I stand eager to work with him on an urban agenda that grows prosperity for all.”

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De Blasio has already picked up the endorsement of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whose 2000 Senate campaign de Blasio managed.

De Blasio is running against Republican Joe Lhota to replace Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is term limited. The general election is Nov. 5.