SAN PEDRO, CA – Robert “Ben” Johnson, who served as the director of the White House Office on the President’s Initiative for One America during the Clinton Administration, has endorsed Nanette Barragán for Congress in California’s 44^th Congressional District.

“Mr. Johnson’s endorsement means so much to me on both a personal and professional level. He was my mentor and champion during my time in the Clinton Administration, and I credit him with putting me on the right path to becoming an advocate for our most vulnerable families,” said Barragán. “In his career, Mr. Johnson has worked tirelessly to close the achievement gap for communities of color and I hope to carry on his legacy in Congress.”

While at the White House, Ben Johnson was responsible for all areas of outreach to the African American community. He also served as the director of the District of Columbia’s Department of Public Assisted Housing, a deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and chaired the board of the One America Foundation.

“I trust Nanette, and I trust that she will fight for our shared cause of creating a universally accessible American Dream. I have known Nanette for many years, and she has always been dedicated to serving vulnerable communities. Nanette will serve California’s 44^th district with the utmost integrity, and I look forward to seeing her stand up for her values in Congress.”

Barragán, the daughter of immigrants from Mexico, grew up in Carson and the surrounding areas where she attended Stephen M. White Middle School, learned to swim at Carson Pool, and studied at the Carson Library. She worked her way through UCLA and law school at USC before becoming a long-time advocate for the environment and the first elected Latina member of the Hermosa Beach City Council. She was also a leader in the fight against Measure O, a ballot measure that would have allowed oil companies to drill for oil in the Santa Monica Bay.

Find more information here: www.barraganforcongress.com

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