SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - President Barack Obama has endorsed one of Utah’s Democratic state lawmakers running for re-election this year.
Utah’s Democratic Party announced Wednesday that Obama endorsed Utah Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck of Salt Lake City. It’s one of 150 endorsements Democratic officials say Obama plans to give to statehouse candidates around the country this year.
The down-ballot endorsements are an unusual move for a president.
But state legislators play a large role in redrawing congressional districts every 10 years. Obama is expected to help push for 2020 redistricting lines that are more favorable toward Democrats.
Chavez-Houck has been in office since 2008 and is unopposed as she runs for another term in Utah’s 24th House District. She’s pushed in recent years for Utah to expand Medicaid as offered under Obama’s health care law.
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