Jerry Brown praises Bernie Sanders, says he’s voting for Hillary Clinton

A week before the crucial June 7 primary in California, Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday announced he’s voting for likely Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, saying Mrs. Clinton’s lead over Sen. Bernard Sanders in the 2016 Democratic primary contest is “insurmountable” and that the general election has already started.

“On Tuesday, June 7, I have decided to cast my vote for Hillary Clinton because I believe this is the only path forward to win the presidency and stop the dangerous candidacy of Donald Trump,” Mr. Brown said in an open letter to “California Democrats and Independents” posted online Tuesday.

Mr. Brown said he’s “deeply impressed” with how well Mr. Sanders has done in the primaries, praising the Vermont senator’s message on income inequality.

“For her part, Hillary Clinton has convincingly made the case that she knows how to get things done and has the tenacity and skill to advance the Democratic agenda,” Mr. Brown said.

Mr. Brown said if Mrs. Clinton won only 10 percent of the remaining delegates, she would still pass the number needed to clinch the nomination.

“In other words, Clinton’s lead is insurmountable and Democrats have shown — by millions of votes — that they want her as their nominee,” Mr. Brown said.

Mr. Brown went on to hit Mr. Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, on issues like climate change and immigration.

“The stakes couldn’t be higher,” Mr. Brown said. “Our country faces an existential threat from climate change and the spread of nuclear weapons. A new cold war is on the horizon. This is no time for Democrats to keep fighting each other. The general election has already begun.”

“Hillary Clinton, with her long experience, especially as secretary of state, has a firm grasp of the issues and will be prepared to lead our country on day one,” he said.

Mr. Brown’s announcement comes as Mrs. Clinton tries to shore up Democratic support out west and looks to close Mr. Sanders out. On Tuesday, she also received an endorsement from the National Resources Defense Council Action Fund.

Mr. Brown had challenged former President Bill Clinton, Mrs. Clinton’s husband, in the 1992 Democratic presidential primary race.

In one debate, Mr. Brown accused Mr. Clinton, then-governor of Arkansas, of funneling money to Mrs. Clinton’s law firm — a charge Mr. Clinton denied.

“You ought to be ashamed of yourself for jumping on my wife,” Mr. Clinton said in response, pointing at Mr. Brown in a heated exchange. “You’re not worth being on the same platform as my wife.”