Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announced her support for Mike Bloomberg as the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee Thursday.
"I support Mike Bloomberg to be our next president because the country needs a candidate in 2020 who cares for people and will work every day to ensure we have a better tomorrow. That candidate is Mike Bloomberg," Lyles said in announcing her endorsement. "Economic growth, climate change and improving disadvantaged neighborhoods are just a few of the challenges that I believe are paramount to achieve a more unified, equitable, healthy and financially sound United States, and I know Mike will deliver real results for us as president."
Bloomberg was a late entry in the Democratic presidential race, and therefore was not on the ballot for the Iowa caucus or New Hampshire primary -- both of which were won by Bernie Sanders. Bloomberg has made North Carolina a major focus of his push for votes, as one of the first states he is on the ballot, on Super Tuesday's March 3 primary.
His campaign has more than 125 staffers and eight offices in the state -- making it the largest campaign presence from a candidate in North Carolina this cycle. Charlotte City Council member James Mitchell is the campaign field director for the state.
“Mayor Lyles has served her city for decades, becoming one of the nation's most trusted, respected voices for addressing our urgent challenges, from addressing climate change to creating equitable communities where all children can thrive, and I'm honored to have her support,” Bloomberg said in a release. “Our campaign chose Charlotte to open its first field office in the country – it's our launching pad to win back North Carolina and rebuild and reunite America.”
Bloomberg held campaign events Thursday in Raleigh, Winston-Salem and Greensboro.
