The Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC), Alabama Democrats’ largest black caucus, has endorsed Michael Bloomberg for president.
The ADC’s endorsement — announced on Tuesday — came shortly after Bloomberg gave a keynote speech at the 60th annual convention for the conference, and right as his campaign is ascending in the polls.
Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor, has faced tough questions related to his record on minority issues, and the endorsement is a boon for his campaign. It was first reported on by AL.com.
“He has shown a keen interest in the ADC,” Joe L. Reed, the group’s chairman, told AL.com. “He has visited the state twice in the last two months.”
Bloomberg had previously visited Alabama State University where he attacked President Donald Trump during a speech.
“Let’s face it, Donald Trump is the world’s biggest schoolyard bully with no respect for civility or decency or facts or honesty,” Bloomberg told the crowd. “And our party needs a candidate who can go toe-to-toe with him and take the fight to him.”
Along with his visits to Alabama, ADC praised Bloomberg’s business acumen and his experience as mayor of New York City.
News of the endorsement drew mixed reactions in the political world. Bloomberg is facing mounting criticism for past comments disparaging young black men and for his longtime support of stop and frisk, a New York City policing tactic that he’s since apologized for.
It wasn’t the only endorsement for Bloomberg this week, either. He was also endorsed by three black lawmakers, including Gregory Meeks of New York City, where Bloomberg was mayor for 12 years.
Along with the endorsements, Bloomberg also got some good news in the polls this week. A recent Morning Consult poll had him third amongst black voters in the Democratic primary race, trailing only former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). The latest Quinnipiac poll also showed Bloomberg at 15% support in the race, third-best among any Democrat.