Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images
After Kamala Harris threw her hat in the race for the chance to become the next president of the United States, New Jersey senator Cory Booker has officially announced his bid.
On the first day of Black History Month, the politician launched his campaign with a nod to his own heritage: “The history of our nation is defined by collective action; by interwoven destinies of slaves and abolitionists; of those born here and those who chose America as home; of those who took up arms to defend our country, and those who linked arms to challenge and change it.” Watch below:
From his video, it looks as if the 49-year-old’s audience is the black voter. With anecdotes about his family’s struggle to get housing in a better neighborhood because of the color or their skin, and his own story about his current reality, the Yale Law School graduate’s platform appeals to the everyday working person by encouraging the importance of community.
And as for New Jersey, and what he’s learned from living there is something he’ll take with him along this new journey: “My dad told me, ‘Boy, never forget where you came from, or how many people had to sacrifice to get you where you are,” he said in his heartfelt announcement. “So over 20 years ago, I moved into the central ward of Newark to fight slumlords and help families stay in their homes. I still live there today, and I’m the only senator who goes home to a low-income, inner-city community. The first community that took a chance on me.”
By the looks of it, unity and solidarity are central themes of Cory’s push for office. “I grew up knowing that the only way we can make change is when people come together,” he states in the video.
Booker joins a growing group of Democratic candidates, including Harris, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii)and former Barack Obama Cabinet member Julián Castro, according to The Huffington Post.
At the age of 29, the former attorney was elected into Newark City Council, and in 2006 he was selected as New Jersey’s mayor for seven years. And since 2013, he’s been the state’s first and only African-American U.S. Senator. Not only does he have these accolades, but he’s made strides in the push to legalize marijuana, and can definitely work a suit! Watch Roland Martin style the senator below:
TELL US: Do you see yourself voting for him? Could he be the next Barack Obama?
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