LOS ANGELES — Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) formally announced his endorsement of 33rd district congressional candidate Elan Carr on Monday. Carr is running against state Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) to replace the outgoing Rep. Henry Waxman.
McCain’s endorsement comes on the heels of an endorsement earlier this month by another former Republican nominee for president, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Carr has also been endorsed by such national and local leaders as House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce, and the Los Angeles Register editorial board.
“Elan Carr represents the next generation of leadership for our nation, and I am proud to endorse him for Congress,” Senator McCain said in a statement, adding:
As an Iraq war veteran and criminal gang prosecutor, Elan knows what it takes to keep America secure from threats abroad, and keep our families safe here at home. In these challenging times, America needs more leaders in Washington like Elan–leaders with courage and experience.
Carr said in a statement that he was “deeply honored” to receive McCain’s endorsement and calls him “one of America’s greatest heroes and a true statesman.” Elaborating, he asserted:
Senator McCain’s courage is an inspiration, and his willingness to transcend partisanship for the sake of our country’s future is precisely what we so desperately need in Congress. We need leaders who will stand up for what’s right, keep our children safe, and take care of our communities. Those same leaders need to fight to fix the VA and ensure that our men and women in uniform receive the best possible care when they return home.
Carr added, “I look forward to working with Senator McCain to secure a strong and prosperous future for our country.”
Carr won the 33rd district primary in June, finishing as the top vote-getter in a crowded field of 18 candidates. The 33rd district congressional election will be held on November 4.