New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker lauded Iowa’s progressive history which he said improved life for his own ancestors in the coal town of Buxton, Iowa.
“This state of Iowa is so far ahead on so many chapters of history. The underground railroad went right through here. People didn't wait until the federal government abolished slavery. They started liberating people right through the state,” Booker said to a crowd in Waterloo, Iowa, on Sunday.
The 2020 candidate said the “spirit of coming together” present in the Iowa town his ancestors lived in is what the country needs today.
He referenced Iowa’s track record on civil rights, women’s rights and labor rights. He argued that this progress was born out of engagement in local politics.
“(Local elections) make a big difference in protecting labor rights because I see what is going on in this state as they are attacking things to get around Davis-Bacon, attacking workers compensation,” Booker said.
The remarks were made at a campaign event for an Iowa state senate candidate, Eric Giddens.
CNN's Jasmine Wright and Lauren Sennet contributed to this report.