The South Sudanese Community Association of Maine is backing former state Sen. Ethan Strimling in the Portland mayoral race, marking the first time since the group’s founding in 1995 that it’s made a political endorsement.
Association President Kwan Malwal said the group reached its decision after meeting with all the candidates. They chose Strimling over incumbent Mayor Michael Brennan and Green Party leader Tom MacMillan because of his leadership at LearningWorks, which helps immigrant families learn English, work skills and how to use computers, while also helping them get their equivalency diplomas.
“This has benefited many people in our community in getting jobs or continuing their schooling,” Malwal said. “We have no doubt if he is elected as the next mayor of Portland, he will bring his experience as head of LearningWorks, and will continue to help our city to become more affordable.”
The South Sudanese association joins a long and diverse list of supporters for Strimling, who has gained the backing of local elected officials, labor unions, business groups, public school teachers, and real estate developers.
Election Day is Tuesday.
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