Biden makes endorsements in top House races

Former Vice President Joe Biden endorsed three Democratic candidates on Thursday for competitive House seats, the latest round of endorsements in Biden’s push to help Democrats take back the House.

Biden is throwing his support behind philanthropist Susie Lee, who’s running for Rep. Jacky Rosen’s (D-Nev.) open seat; Air Force veteran Chrissy Houlahan, who’s looking to unseat Rep. Ryan Costello (R-Pa.); and former Obama administration official Andy Kim, who’s challenging Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.).

All three seats are seen as competitive, though MacArthur’s seat will be more of a reach for Democrats since President Trump carried it by 6 points in 2016. Meanwhile, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton won Costello’s district by nearly 10 points and lost Rosen’s by only 1 point.

{mosads}The wave of endorsements come as Biden has been stepping up his presence on the campaign trail for red-state Democrats and considers a 2020 presidential bid.

The former vice president endorsed and stumped for Democrat Conor Lamb in the special election for Pennsylvania’s 18th District. Lamb has declared victory and has a 627-vote lead, but not all media outlets have called the race.

Biden’s ability to connect with rural and working-class voters could help Democrats compete in districts and states that are more favorable for Republicans. Democrats need to win 24 seats in 2018 in order to take back the House.

And campaigning for Democratic candidates will give Biden a platform as he tests the waters for a potential presidential run. Biden is seen as a top contender if he decides to get in, but will likely face a crowded primary of Democrats wanting to take on Trump.