Calif. State Senate District 8 candidate Dave Jones endorsed by primary rival Rafa Garcia

Today California State Senate District 8 candidate Dave Jones announced he was endorsed by the third-place finisher in the June Primary, Rafa Garcia.

In the three-way race between first-place finisher Jones and second-place Angelique Ashby, Garica earned 13 percent of the popular vote. Jones took first place with 46 percent to Ashy’s 41.

In a posting on social media, after thanking supporters, Garcia said Jones possesses similar values.

“I have confidence that Dave Jones will be a champion for workers’ rights, our healthcare system, and protecting our environment with community at its core,” Garcia said in his statement. “With that said, I proudly endorse and support Dave Jones for State Senate.”

In the all-Democratic primary race, Garica lacked the name recognition and campaign funds of Ashby, a Sacramento City Council Member, Jones, a former Assembly Member, and State Insurance Commission. Nonetheless, Garcia, a political newcomer, attracted a sizeable pool of supporters who, even before today’s announcement, were more likely to support Jones than Ashby, a pro-business moderate.

“Rafa ran an excellent campaign that reflected his deeply-held values and commitment to working families. Rafa ran on a platform aimed at empowering the most vulnerable, protecting immigrants, delivering real results for workers, and improving the quality of life for all,” Jones said. “I am honored to receive his endorsement, and I am proud to be working with him to advance our shared values.”