McDonough was the White House chief of staff during Obama’s second term.
Indian American Aruna Miller landed another big endorsement on Tuesday, when Denis McDonough, former Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama, endorsed the Maryland Democrat.
Miller, a Maryland state lawmaker, is running for the open 6th sixth congressional district, being vacated by the retiring Democrat Rep. John Delaney.
“I know first-hand what it takes to get things done in Washington,” McDonough, who served as chief of staff during Obama’s second term from 2013 to 2017. “Right now, we need experienced leaders who will stand up and fight for our values. Aruna came to this country as an immigrant and benefited from the American dream. I admire how she is giving back.” said Denis McDonough.
“Denis McDonough led President Obama’s team defending the Affordable Care Act and protecting our environment,” Miller said. “I’m delighted to have his support. In Congress, I won’t let Donald Trump undo the progress we’ve made.”
Last week, Montgomery County Council Vice President Nancy Navarro had endorsed Miller, who has bagged a series of high-profile endorsements.
Among Democrats who have so far endorsed her include Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY; US Reps. Pramila Jayapal, D-WA, Ami Bera, D-CA, Ro Khanna, D-CA, and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi; Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett; former Maryland Lieutenant Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; and Maryland Del. Kumar Barve.
The primary is on June 26.
One of Miller’s primary rivals is millionaire David Trone, who spent more than $13 million of his money when he ran unsuccessfully from the 8th congressional district two years ago.
Trone has so far raised more than $5.6 million and spent $4 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Miller has remained competitive by doing well in a series of debates and also raising nearly $1.2 million, which is more than the combined amount raised by the five other candidates in the Democratic primary.