2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Bernie Sanders 2020 Expands Staff, Offices in New Hampshire

Bernie Sanders 2020 Expands Staff, Offices in New Hampshire

MANCHESTER – Bernie 2020 announced Thursday it has 45 staffers on the ground in New Hampshire, the majority of which are focused on field and community organizing. The campaign will also be opening field offices in Manchester, Portsmouth, Dover, and West Lebanon. The Greater Nashua field office was opened last month with Sen. Sanders and Campaign Co-Chair Ben Cohen. Including campaign headquarters, NH for Bernie now has six offices throughout the state.

"From day one of this campaign, I have said we will take nothing for granted here in the first-in-the-nation primary. We're building out the organization we need to talk to every Granite Stater in every corner of New Hampshire and earn their vote. I'm proud of the team we put together," said Joe Caiazzo, State Director.

Beto O’Rourke Earns Endorsement of Dubuque County Recorder John Murphy

Beto O’Rourke Earns Endorsement of Dubuque County Recorder John Murphy
Announcement Follows O’Rourke’s Sixth Trip to Iowa

DES MOINES, IA — Following Beto O’Rourke’s sixth trip to the Hawkeye State, and his first trip with Amy and their three kids, the campaign earned the endorsement of Dubuque County Recorder John Murphy.

“I am proud to endorse Beto O’Rourke for President because of his deep commitment to issues like fighting climate change and protecting our veterans. He’s leading us in a new kind of politics that takes no one for granted and writes nobody off. That’s what we need to inspire the Democratic Party and secure victories up and down the ballot in November 2020. Beto is the real deal and I’m looking forward to helping him and his campaign organize across Iowa,” said John Murphy.

“John Murphy is a true leader in his community and we are proud to earn his endorsement. We’re building an organization that will win in February by going everywhere and engaging everyone. John is going to be an important part of that work going forward,” said Norm Sterzenbach, Beto O’Rourke’s Iowa State Director.

Beto has taken nearly 500 questions from Iowans in 43 counties since launching his campaign in March and has brought the ideas and experiences of Iowans into his campaign and vision for the country. He has met with Iowans in small towns, big cities, and has held house parties in a variety of areas across the state, including counties that went for President Obama but flipped to President Trump, Democratic strongholds, and rural Iowa.

O’Rourke has also earned the endorsements of the following Iowa elected officials:
Former Iowa Rep. Nate Willems
Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson
Polk County Soil and Water District Commissioner Lou McDonald

Julián Castro Returns to Iowa for Annual Corn Feed, Immigration Town Hall, and AARP Forum **Updated

Julián Castro Returns to Iowa Sunday through Tuesday for Annual Corn Feed, Immigration Town Hall, and AARP Forum **Updated
Secretary Castro to hold various campaign events surrounding national candidate forums

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 10, 2019) – On Sunday, July 14 through Tuesday, July 16, presidential candidate and former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary under President Obama and San Antonio Mayor, Julián Castro, will travel to Iowa for his eighth trip to the first-in-the-nation caucus state since announcing his candidacy.

On Sunday, July 14, Secretary Castro will participate in Progress Iowa’s 5th Annual Corn Feed in Cedar Rapids and host a town hall on immigration in Mount Pleasant. On Monday, July 15, Secretary Castro will host a meet-and-greet in Keokuk, tour downtown Muscatine with community leaders, and host a meet-and-greet with Muscatine residents. On Tuesday, July 16, Secretary Castro will participate in a presidential candidate forum hosted by the AARP and the Des Moines Register and host a meet-and-greet in Davenport.

In his most recent trip on July 7-8, Secretary Castro hosted a meet-and-greets in Council Bluffs and Montgomery County, before traveling to Tabor and Bartlett to tour damage from recent flooding along the Missouri River.

Secretary Castro’s trip to Iowa follows his stand out performance at the first Democratic debates, which the New York Times described as "Castro's big night." In a focus group hosted by NBC, five out of six college students who watched both debates said that Secretary Castro won both debates.

Last Wednesday, ABC and the Washington Post published a new poll in which Secretary Castro moved into the top five polling candidates nationally at four percent. The ABC/Washington Post poll meets the Democratic National Committee’s criteria for consideration under its debate qualification rules. Secretary Castro had the four biggest grassroots fundraising days of his campaign, and has received more than $1 million in contributions.

Sunday, July 14th, 2019

Progress Iowa Corn Feed
WHAT: Progress Iowa Corn Feed

WHERE: Newbo City Market
1100 3rd St SE,
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

WHEN: Sunday, July 14, 2019 - 12:00 PM CT - 4:00PM CT
Est time of remarks - 3:00 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join Iowa Democrats at Progress Iowa’s 5th annual Corn Feed.

Immigration Town Hall
WHAT: Immigration Town Hall

WHERE: First Presbyterian Church
902 S. Walnut St.
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641

WHEN: Sunday, July 14, 2019 - 7:00 PM CT - 9:00PM CT
Doors open - 6:00 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will host a town hall and community conversation on immigration in Mt. Pleasant—a community that was rocked by a large Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid a little more than a year ago. Secretary Castro will hear from residents and immigrants in the community about how they are dealing with the aftermath of the raid, how they are coping with the Trump immigration agenda, and about his plans to reform our immigration system. The event is open to the public.

Monday, July 15, 2019

Keokuk Meet and Greet
WHAT: Keokuk Meet and Greet

WHERE: Keokuk Labor Temple
301 Blondeau St
Keokuk, IA 52632

WHEN: Monday, July 15, 2019 - 11:00 AM CT - 12:30 AM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join Lee County Democrats and voters from rural southeast Iowa for a meet-and-greet.

Tour of Downtown Muscatine with Mayor Broderson and Community Leaders
WHAT: Tour of Downtown Muscatine with Mayor Broderson

WHERE: The Coffee Belt
210 E 2nd St
Muscatine, IA 52761

WHEN: Monday, July 15, 2019 - 4:00 PM CT - 5:15 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will tour a downtown Muscatine, along with mayor Broderson, a local city council member, and various community members. They will talk to local business owners about the impact recent flooding has had on their community and what still needs to be done.

Muscatine Meet and Greet
WHAT: Muscatine Meet and Greet

WHERE: The Black Pearl
413 E 2nd Street
Muscatine, IA 52761

WHEN: Monday, July 15, 2019 - 6:30 PM CT - 9:00 PM CT
Doors open - 6:30 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will host a meet-and-greet in Muscatine, co-hosted by LULAC Council 271 and the Muscatine County Democrats.

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Fight for $15 Rally and March
WHAT: Fight for 15 Rally and March

WHERE: Bettendorf City Hall,
1609 State St,
Bettendorf, IA 52722

WHEN: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 - 1:00 PM CT - 2:00 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join SEIU 199 members, Fight for 15 organizers, and supporters for a rally and march outside the AARP Forum to bring attention to the needs of low-wage workers reaching retirement age.

AARP-Des Moines Register Presidential Candidate Forum
WHAT: AARP-Des Moines Register Presidential Candidate Forum

WHERE: Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center
2021 State Street
Bettendorf, IA

WHEN: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 - 3:00 PM CT - 3:40 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join hosts AARP and the Des Moines Register for a candidate forum in Davenport.WHEN: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 - 7:00 PM CT - 9:00 PM CT
Doors open - 7:00 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will host a meet-and-greet in Davenport, co-hosted by the LULAC Council 10 and the Scott County Democrats.

Julián Castro Travels to Wisconsin and Pennsylvania for Two Candidate Forums

Julián Castro Travels to Wisconsin and Pennsylvania for Two Candidate Forums

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 10, 2019) – Tomorrow, Thursday, July 11 and Saturday, July 13, presidential candidate and former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary under President Obama and San Antonio Mayor, Julián Castro, will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for two major candidate forums.

In Milwaukee on Thursday, July 11, Secretary Castro will provide keynote remarks at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Unity Luncheon. Following the luncheon, Secretary Castro will participate in a closed press silent canvass hosted by the Black Leaders Organizing Communities (BLOC). In the evening, Secretary Castro will participate in LULAC’s Campaign 2020 Community Town hall presidential forum. In Philadelphia on Saturday, July 13, Secretary Castro will participate in Netroots Nation and the Daily Kos’s presidential candidate forum.

Thursday, July 11, 2019

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Unity Luncheon
WHAT: League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Unity Luncheon

WHERE: 400 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203

WHEN: Thursday, July 11, 2019
Est time of remarks - 12:25 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join members of LULAC for their annual convention and Unity Luncheon.

LULAC’s Campaign 2020 Community Town Hall presidential forum
WHAT: LULAC’s Campaign 2020 Community Town Hall presidential forum

WHERE: 400 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203

WHEN: Thursday, July 11, 2019
Est time of remarks - 6:00 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join other 2020 Democratic candidates for a presidential forum with members of LULAC during their national convention.

Working Families Party Meet-and-Greet Happy Hour
WHAT: Working Families Party Meet-and-Greet Happy Hour

WHERE: 413 N. 2nd Street - Back Party Room
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203

WHEN: Thursday, July 11, 2019
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will members of the Working Families Party (WFP) for a happy hour. Secretary Castro is one of six candidates the WFP is considering for endorsement.

Saturday, July 13, 2019

Netroots Nation/Daily Kos’s presidential candidate forum
WHAT: Netroots Nation/Daily Kos’s presidential candidate forum

WHERE: Terrace Ballroom at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

WHEN: Saturday, July 13, 2019
Est time of remarks - 4:15 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will participate in a presidential forum with members of Netroots Nation, co-hosted by Daily Kos

Tom Steyer Kicks Off Presidential Campaign with Two National TV Ads

Tom Steyer Kicks Off Presidential Campaign with Two National TV Ads
Steyer’s million-dollar ad campaign will air on national cable and local markets

(SAN FRANCISCO, July 10, 2019) — Today, one day after announcing his bid for the 2020 Democratic nomination, presidential candidate Tom Steyer launched $1.4 million worth of broadcast ads highlighting his activist background and his vision for ending the corporate corruption of our democracy. The two new ads — “Money Where His Mouth Is” and “Keeping the Promise” — will run for two weeks from July 10 to July 23. The ads will air on CNN and MSNBC nationally, and locally in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada — the first four primary and caucus states.

“I started a tiny investment firm in 1986 and grew it to 36 billion dollars,” Steyer stated in one of the ads. “In 2010, I signed the Giving Pledge to fund good causes. Then I left my business to combat climate change, fix our democracy, and hold President Trump accountable. Last year, we ran the largest youth voter registration in history, helping double turnout and win back the house.”

“Government by and for all the people, not just the powerful and well connected. That’s the American promise,” Steyer said in another ad. “But corporations and special interests are in control. Nothing’s happening for real people. Our democracy has been purchased. The candidates running for President have great ideas, but we can’t get anything done unless we make our democracy serve the people again. I’m running for President because it’s time our democracy works for people.”

The new ads largely focus on Steyer’s platform to break the corporate stranglehold on the political process, push power back to the American people, and finally start passing policies that would be beneficial for all Americans.

“Tom is running for President because he sees how the broken political system in Washington has failed the American people and has a plan to change it,” said Campaign Manager Heather Hargreaves. “He has a long history of taking on corporate power and winning major victories on health care, education, and the environment for millions of Americans. Our campaign is focused on exactly that — creating a United States that puts its people before corporations.”

John Delaney visiting Central and Eastern Central Iowa July 13 and 14, 2019

John Delaney visiting Central and Eastern Central Iowa July 13th and 14th

Stops include Progress Iowa Corn Feed, Ankeny Summerfest BBQ, Passport to Victory Summer Tour

DES MOINES, IA – Presidential candidate John Delaney is returning to the Hawkeye State for summer events and a climate conversation on Saturday, July 13th and Sunday, July 14th.

The two-day trip includes five public campaign stops across four counties. On Saturday, July 13th, John Delaney will hold a Climate Conversation with State Senator Rob Hogg and speak at the Ankeny Area Democrats Summerfest BBQ and Passport to Victory Summer Tour. On Sunday, July 14th, he will speak at the Progress Iowa Corn Feed and join State Senator Zach Wahls’ Birthday Brunch celebration.

Saturday, July 13th
WHAT: Ankeny Area Democrats Summerfest BBQ
WHEN: 12:15 PM - 12:40 PM
WHERE: Ankeny Market & Pavilion, 715 W. 1st Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
WHO: John Delaney, Ankeny Area Democrats

WHAT: Climate Conversation with Rob Hogg
WHEN: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Groundswell Cafe, 201 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
WHO: John Delaney, Iowa State Senator Rob Hogg

WHAT: Passport to Victory Summer Tour
WHEN: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
WHERE: UAW Hall - Local 838, 2615 Washington St., Waterloo, IA 50702
WHO: John Delaney, 1st District Democrats of Iowa

Sunday, July 14th
WHAT: Zach Wahls Birthday Brunch
WHEN: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
WHERE: The Walker Homestead, 3867 James Ave SW, Iowa City, IA 52246
WHO: John Delaney, Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls

WHAT: Progress Iowa Corn Feed
WHEN: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
WHO: John Delaney, Progress Iowa

Marianne Williamson at the 2019 LULAC National Convention: Women's Hall of Fame Luncheon on Friday, July 12, 2019

MARIANNE WILLIAMSON TO ATTEND 2019 LULAC NATIONAL CONVENTION IN MILWAUKEE AND DELIVER KEYNOTE SPEECH AT THE WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON ON FRIDAY, JULY 12

Milwaukee - Democratic Presidential Candidate, best-selling author, and activist Marianne Williamson will be the featured speaker at the 2019 LULAC National Convention’s Women’s Hall of Fame Luncheon on Friday, July 12, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Wisconsin Center, 400 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203

Marianne will be addressing policy issues important to Hispanic voters such as immigration, education and the economy. She will honor LULAC, the country’s oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization on their 90th anniversary.

Friday, July 12, 2019

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
2019 LULAC National Convention: Women's Hall of Fame Luncheon
Ballroom CD (Wisconsin Center) 400 West Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203

Tulsi Gabbard to Attend LULAC Conference, & Hosts Public Event in Milwaukee on July 11, 2019

Tulsi Gabbard to Attend LULAC Conference, & Hosts Public Event in Milwaukee on July 11, 2019

MILWAUKEE, WI — Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii Congresswoman and presidential candidate, will attend the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Conference on Thursday, July 11, 2019. There, she will give three speeches at the conference during the Defenders of Freedom Breakfast, an address on the National Stage, and a speech at the Youth and Young Adult Banquet.

Tulsi will also host a public event at the Jackson Blue Ribbon Pub in Milwaukee. This event is free and open to the public.

Thursday July 11th

Defenders of Freedom Breakfast
7:00 — 8:48 am (CDT)
Speaking time: 8:10 am
Ballroom D
400 West Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203

National Stage
8:30 — 12:00 pm (CDT)
Speaking time: 9:00 am
Ballroom A & B
400 West Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203

Public Event
6:00 — 8:00 pm (CDT)
Jackson Blue Ribbon Pub Milwaukee
1203 N 10th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53205

Youth and Young Adult Banquet
8:00 — 10:00 pm (CDT)
Speaking time: 8:50 pm
Ballroom D
400 West Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203

Michael Bennet to Travel Across Eastern Iowa on July 13-17, 2019 *Updated

Michael Bennet to Travel Across Eastern Iowa Sharing His Vision on Health Care and Climate Change *Updated

DENVER — Michael Bennet will travel across Eastern Iowa from Saturday, July 13 to Wednesday, July 17, to share with Iowans his vision for how to achieve universal health care with his Medicare-X public option plan and tackle the climate crisis.

Saturday, July 13

Iowa Democratic Party Passport to Victory Tour
Speaking Time: 6:00 PM
Location: UAW Hall Local 838, 2615 Washington Street, Waterloo, IA

Sunday, July 14

Progress Iowa Corn Feed
Speaking Time: 2:13 PM
Location: NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA

Meet and Greet & Healthcare Conversation in Dubuque
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Smokestack, 62 East 7th Street, Dubuque, IA

Monday, July 15

**NEW EVENT: Healthcare Conversation with Iowa City Seniors
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Iowa City Senior Center, 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City, IA

Tour of Iowa Flood Center at the University of Iowa
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Stanley Hydraulics Lab, 300 South Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA

Meet and Greet & Healthcare Conversation in Iowa City
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Wild Culture Kombucha, 210 North Linn Street, Iowa City, IA

Tuesday, July 16

Roundtable & Healthcare Conversation with Local Labor Leaders
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: IBEW Local 405, 1211 Wiley Boulevard Southwest, Cedar Rapids, IA

Climate Conversation Hosted by State Senator Rob Hogg
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Karma Coffee Cafe, 1725 Boyson Road, Hiawatha, IA

Wednesday, July 17

**NEW EVENT: Meet and Greet with Emerge Iowa
Time: 1:00 PM

AARP-Des Moines Register Presidential Candidate Forum
Speaking Time: 3:30 PM
Location: The Hotel Kirkwood Center, 7725 Kirkwood Boulevard SW, Cedar Rapids, IA

John Hickenlooper Returns to Iowa Friday, July 12 to Monday, July 15, 2019

John Hickenlooper Returns to Iowa Friday, July 12 to Monday, July 15, 2019

DENVER, CO — Former Colorado governor and Democratic presidential candidate John Hickenlooper will host a meet and greets in Knoxville and Winterset and events in Ankeny, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines. Details below, additional events will be announced in the coming days.

FRIDAY, JULY 12

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Host Meet and Greet with Marion County Democrats
WHEN: Friday, July 12 at 6 PM CST
WHERE: Peace Tree Brewing, 107 W Main St, Knoxville, IA

SATURDAY, JULY 13

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Host Meet and Greet with Madison County Democrats
WHEN: Saturday, July 13 at 10 AM CST
WHERE: Northside Cafe, 61 E Jefferson St, Winterset, IA

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Speak at Ankeny Area Democrats BBQ
WHEN: Saturday, July 13 at 12:30 PM CST, Remarks at 1 PM CST
WHERE: Ankeny Market Pavilion (AMP), 715 W 1st St, Ankeny, IA

SUNDAY, JULY 14

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Speak at Senator Wahl’s Birthday Celebration
WHEN: Sunday, July 14 at 10:30 AM CT, Remarks at 11:40 AM
WHERE: The Walker Homestead, 3867 James Ave SW, Iowa City, IA

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Attend the 5th Annual Progress Iowa Cornfeed
WHEN: Sunday, July 14 at 12:30 PM, Speaking time TBD
WHERE: Newbo City Market: 1100 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA

MONDAY, JULY 15

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Participate in Immigration Roundtable
WHEN: Monday, July 15 at 9:30 AM CT
WHERE: First Presbyterian Church, 902 S Walnut St, Mt. Pleasant, IA

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Speak at AARP Forum
WHEN: Monday, July 15 at 1:45 PM CST, Remarks at 2:30 PM CST
WHERE: Drake University, Olmsted Center, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines, IA