Bernie Sanders endorses in Fort Worth mayor’s race; Castro to lead rally

Presidential hopefuls Bernie Sanders and Julián Castro weighed in on the Fort Worth mayor’s race Thursday.

One week after his downtown rally, Sanders encouraged voters to support Deborah Peoples — who is challenging Mayor Betsy Price for the top city post — in Saturday’s election.

“In Fort Worth on Saturday we can elect a true progressive for mayor,” Sanders tweeted. “Deborah Peoples will work to level the playing field. She will address income inequality and ensure equity for every family. Do what you can to help us get out the vote and make history!”

Castro’s campaign announced that the San Antonio Democrat will lead a get-out-the-vote rally for Peoples at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mi Charrito Restaurant, 5693 Westcreek Drive. Castro will appear at 12:15 p.m.

The race includes a third candidate, James H. McBride.

“I think this shows Deborah is struggling,” said Brian Mayes, a spokesman for Price’s mayoral campaign, when Sanders’ endorsement was announced.

“The biggest endorsement she can get is from a a socialist politician who doesn’t live in the state of Texas.”

Price, first elected in 2011, is seeking a fifth term in office this year. If successful, she will be the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history.

Peoples, who heads the Tarrant County Democratic Party, believes it’s time to change the leadership at the top in Fort Worth.

After Sanders held a rally at Burnett Park in Fort Worth last week, push cards listing endorsed candidates in local races were handed out to the crowd by people saying “Vote for your local Berniecrats.”

Three candidates from Tarrant County were on the list: Peoples, Ruby Faye Woolridge for Arlington mayor and Hunter Crow for Tarrant County College Board of Trustees District 7.

Castro’s campaign announced that he will walk door-to-door with Peoples after the rally.

In a statement, Castro said in part: “The people of Fort Worth deserve a champion who will fight every day for them and their families — Deborah Peoples is that champion. I’m proud to lend my voice and support to her campaign as she makes history this Election Day.”

Castro will appear Saturday night at the Majestic Theater in Dallas.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Saturday’s election.