Area congressional candidate Theresa Gasper backed by Elizabeth Warren

Congressman Mike Turner is running for re-election against Gasper in November.

Theresa Gasper, the Democrat running against Congressman Mike Turner this fall, landed a major endorsement from Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Monday.

Warren is mentioned as a likely Democratic presidential candidate in 2020.

“The people of Southwest Ohio deserve a representative who will fight for them, and not the Washington special interests. Theresa understands the challenges of working families, whether it is the choice to refill a life-saving prescription or buy groceries or young people wrestling over student debt and uncertain futures,” Warren, -D-Mass., said in a statement.

The endorsement is the most notable yet for Gasper, who won the Democratic primary in May against two challengers.

Turner, who is running for his ninth term, also defeated two challengers in his May primary.

Ahead of his primary victory, Turner said he deserves another term because his seniority in Congress gives him leverage in pushing for issues tied to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

“From my senior position on the Armed Services Committee, I’m able to be the lead defender for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the missions that are there,” Turner said.

The race for the 10th District congressional seat is getting more attention that in past years.

Gasper managed to outraise Turner in the first quarter. Gasper, a small businesswoman from Dayton, raised $209,645 — $50,000 of it her own money — to pull in more than twice what Turner, an eight-term congressman from Dayton, raised last quarter. Turner raised $103,807.

Turner however has a big warchest with more than $560,000 on hand.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Commission is launching a digital advertising buy in the district this week targeting House Republicans on health care.

About the Author