Today, Congressman Jim Costa’s campaign announced that the Fresno/San Joaquin Valley Chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action, an advocacy organization focused on educating, training and involving as many African American women as possible in the political process, has endorsed Congressman Costa for re-election.

“Congressman Jim Costa has been one of the greatest champions for marginalized communities in the Valley,” said Cynthia A. Sterling, President, BWOPA Fresno/San Joaquin Valley Chapter. “We can count on Jim to continue to be a voice for all of our communities, standing up for issues that impact our lives and ensuring we have a seat at the table. Jim’s lifelong work to empower underserved communities makes him the clear choice for Congress.”

Congressman Costa said: “Communities of color and historically marginalized groups are facing both unprecedented as well as renewed attacks at the hands of the Trump administration. I am proud to have the endorsement of Black Women Organized for Political Action, one of our state’s oldest and most dedicated advocacy organizations. In Congress, I will continue to fight for everyone to have a voice in our political system, especially our underserved communities.”

BWOPA was founded in 1968 as an outgrowth of a group of 12 politically active women from various cities in California. BWOPA works to educate and support African American women about the political process, encourage involvement, and solve the problems affecting the African American community. California Congresswomen Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters, and current United States Senator Kamala Harris, are among the trailblazing female elected representatives who received early support from BWOPA. These pioneers have led the way for many African American and minority women who are in public service today.

Congressman Costa continued: “It is truly an honor to have the strong support of BWOPA and its members. I am looking forward to working with BWOPA and others in standing up to the Trump Administration’s hateful, bigoted agenda.”

BWOPA joins a growing list of early supporters of Congressman Costa’s re-election campaign, including Governor Gavin Newsom, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, US Senators Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Equality PAC, and others. Congressman Costa recently placed first at the California Democratic Party’s pre-endorsing conference on October 5 in Modesto.

The primary election for CD 16 will take place on March 3, 2020.