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Read the press release here.

Obama Endorses de Blasio for Mayor

By Colby Hamilton | September 23, 2013 10:27am
 Public Advocate Bill de Blasio campaigning in Manhattan ahead of the primary on Sept. 10, 2013.
Public Advocate Bill de Blasio campaigning in Manhattan ahead of the primary on Sept. 10, 2013.
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DNAinfo/Colby Hamilton

NEW YORK CITY — President Barack Obama weighed in on the New York City mayor's race Monday, backing Public Advocate Bill de Blasio's bid to be the first Democrat to hold the seat in 20 years.

In a statement released by the campaign, Obama said de Blasio would "be a great mayor of America's largest city."

"Whether it’s ensuring pre-kindergarten is available for every four-year old, expanding after-school programs for every middle school student who wants and needs them, making affordable housing available for more New York families and preserving community hospitals, Bill's agenda for New York is marked by bold, courageous ideas that address the great challenges of our time," the president said in the statement.

De Blasio praised Obama, saying, "The president is no stranger to addressing big problems with big ideas and big solutions," and promised to "emulate the example [Obama] has set" if he wins in November.

"[I]f elected I stand eager to work with him on an urban agenda that grows prosperity for all," de Blasio said.

This is the second major endorsement by a national Democratic figure in a week for de Blasio. Last Wednesday former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, publicly expressed their support for de Blasio.