Baria endorsed by Lauderdale County Democrats

State Rep. David Baria has been endorsed by some Lauderdale County Democrats in his U.S. Senate runoff.

The announcement was made Wednesday morning at a news conference at Dumont Plaza.

"He has voted along the lines of Democrats. We have no record of him donating or supporting any Republican candidate in the history of him being in politics to our knowledge, unlike his opponent," said Cornelius Parks, a member of the Lauderdale County Democratic Executive Committee. "So, therefore we feel it's very important for us to let Meridian know that there is a second option."

"We know that he has strong Democratic values and has always voted Democrat," said Weston Lindemann, also a member of the executive committee. "As Mr. Parks said, he has never contributed to Republicans. So, with that in mind, we understand how important that is for our representation in Washington."

Baria faces a runoff with Howard Sherman Tuesday, June 26, for the Democratic nomination. The nominee will then face Republican Sen. Roger Wicker on the November ballot.

Democrats at the event encouraged Lauderdale County residents to vote for Baria, who earlier also received the endorsement of Mississippi's Legislative Black Caucus.

Sherman has been endorsed by a former Democrat opponent in the race, state Rep. Omeria Scott of Laurel.