Joe Biden endorses MJ Hegar for U.S. Senate

Former Vice President and current presidential candidate Joe Biden endorsed MJ Hegar, a decorated combat veteran, Round Rock mom and self-described "badass" running against three-term Republican incumbent and Austinite John Cornyn for U.S. Senate.

"MJ has unmistakable grit and determination, and we need tough fighters like her to restore the soul of our nation," Biden said in a statement issued Friday. "That's why I'm proud to support MJ for the U.S. Senate and know she will deliver results for Texans."

Hegar announced last month that her campaign had raised over $13.5 million in the third quarter—nearly eight times the amount she raised during her previous best quarter.

The Cornyn campaign has not yet reported its fundraising numbers, which are due Oct. 15. His previous best quarter this election cycle was during the second quarter of this year, when he reported raising $3.5 million—far short of Hegar's latest haul.

However, Cornyn has outraised Hegar in previous quarters and is leading by up to 11 points in recent polls, according to the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin. His campaign is confident, based on statements to the press, about his chances against "Hollywood Hegar," whom he has described as Elizabeth Warren on a motorcycle.

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Still, Hegar's campaign has stressed that the race is competitive due to high turnout among Democratic voters in the July runoff election, President Donald Trump's flagging approval rating and an infusion of funding from national groups, including the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Emily's List.

In a statement, Hegar said she is "proud to stand with Joe Biden, a lifelong servant leader who's fought for working families for decades."

Early voting begins Oct. 13 and runs through Oct. 30. Election Day is Nov. 3. You can learn more about upcoming deadlines, mail-in voting and other races to watch in Austonia's 2020 voter guide.

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Joe Biden endorses MJ Hegar for U.S. Senate