LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti officially endorsed Joe Biden for President of the United States. 

Biden was in Southern California on a campaign swing Thursday when he received the endorsement from the mayor of the second-largest city in the United States.

MORE DECISION 2020 COVERAGE:

“Joe Biden is a close personal friend who has been an incredible partner in delivering progress for L.A. He came to L.A. and stood shoulder to shoulder with me to make us the first big city to enact a $15 minimum wage, and he brought leaders from all over the world to our city to forge the most sweeping climate agreement prior to the Paris accords," said Garcetti in a statement.

"Democrats are blessed to have such an extraordinary field of candidates, but I will never forget what Joe Biden has done for my city and our nation. We need Joe Biden to bring our nation and world together during these most divided and dangerous times. I know that from day one, he will heal our nation, repair our relationships abroad and get things done — and will be a true partner in solving the national homelessness crisis."

Garcetti will serve as a national campaign co-chair for the Biden for President campaign.

 

 

The mayor's endorsement is the latest in a string of high-profile endorsements from California politicians that already includes Senator Dianne Feinstein, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congressman Tony Cardenas, Congressman Ami Bera, Congressman John Garamendi, and Congressman Lou Correa among others.

Earlier in the day Thursday, Biden was endorsed by Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia.

The former Vice President was in Long Beach Thursday where he was scheduled to tour the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project before attending an evening fundraiser in Irvine.

City News Service contributed to this report.