The Sacramento Metro Chamber’s political action committee has endorsed City Councilwoman Angelique Ashby for mayor.
“Councilwoman Ashby has a record of bringing the right individuals and groups together to build consensus and support among an issue or project,” said Roy Brewer, chairman of Metro-PAC, in a statement issued by Ashby’s campaign.
Ashby welcomed the news. “Our business community is rising to the challenge – redeveloping downtown, recruiting tech companies, finding new ways to partner with our universities, and investing in the future of our city,” said Ashby in a statement. “It is critical that Sacramento elects a mayor that will rise to this challenge as well.”
The endorsement followed two forums hosted by the chamber at which Ashby and opponent Darrell Steinberg appeared. Chamber officials also spoke with the candidates privately and reviewed their voting records.
Chamber CEO Peter Tateishi declined comment on the endorsement, noting a distinction between the Metro Chamber and its political action committee, which is chaired by Brewer. Brewer was not immediately available for a comment.
Ashby has also been endorsed by the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange, Sacramento Laborers Union, Local 185, the North State Building Industry Association, the local unions for firefighters and police.
The Chamber represents nearly 1,700 businesses in the six-county Sacramento region. Its political action committee was formed in 1985.
Late last month, the chamber, in partnership with several well-known business leaders in Sacramento, sent the mayoral candidates a to-do list of policy priorities for the business community.