Obama endorses Sisolak for Nevada governor

Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Democratic nominee for governor Steve Sisolak.

“Steve Sisolak will fight for justice, equality and opportunity for all Nevadans and I’m proud to endorse his candidacy for governor,” said Obama in a statement released Friday. “Raised in a working family and now a proud dad who raised two incredible daughters on his own, he knows the value of hard work and the importance of opportunity.”

The statement points out Sisolak would be Nevada’s first Democratic governor in 20 years.

“Whether it’s tirelessly advocating for educators and students, protecting access to affordable health care or investing in workers, Steve will always stand with Nevadans,” said Obama.

Sisolak said the endorsement is an honor.

“There are few leaders who have stood so strongly for our working families,” he said. “From lifting us out of the Great Recession and establishing the Affordable Care Act to leading the drive to make Nevada a leader in new industries like renewable energy, he fought for the issues that matter most to Nevada families.”

Obama won Nevada in both of his presidential races in 2008 by 55 percent and 2012 by 52 percent.

After Democrat Bob Miller left office in 1998, Republican Kenny Guinn served two terms as governor followed by one term by Republican Jim Gibbons. He was ousted by fellow Republican Brian Sandoval who’s now completing his second full term as governor.

Sisolak is chairman of the Clark County Commission, where he has served nine years. Before that, he served 10 years as a member of the Nevada Board of Regents.

He faces Republican Attorney General Adam Laxalt, now completing his first term in that position, in the contest to succeed Sandoval.