NASHVILLE -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee announced today it is endorsing Tennessee U.S. Senate candidate James Mackler in his 2020 bid.
DSCC Chair Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada said Mackler, a Nashville attorney and Iraq War veteran, "served our country with courage and integrity, and he will bring those values to the U.S. Senate."
Mackler is seeking the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander who is not seeking re-election to a fourth term.
In the 2018 election cycle, Mackler started running for the Senate seat held by Republican Bob Corker of Chattanooga, but he stepped aside for former Gov. Phil Bredesen, who went on to lose the general election to Republican Marsha Blackburn.
Other Democrats eyeing or already announcing in the 2020 Senate race include Marquita Bradshaw, Tharon Chandler, Gary Davis and Diane Onyejiaka.
Republicans Bill Hagerty, the former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and physician Manny Sethi are running in the GOP's primary.
Cortez Masto said Mackler would "work tirelessly on behalf of Tennesseans to protect pre-existing conditions coverage and health care access in rural communities, cut red tape to help Tennessee's small businesses, and take on the special interests that have corroded our democracy and hurt Tennessee families."
As senator, she said, Mackler "will be a voice for all Tennesseans, and we are proud to support him in this race."
Mackler was awarded an Air Medal and a Combat Action Badge for his service flying Black Hawk helicopters in Iraq. Following his deployment, he continued his service as a JAG attorney, prosecuting military sexual harassment and assault and war crimes.
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow on Twitter @AndySher1.