(Brookline, MA) - The Italian American Democratic Leadership Council (IADLC) has endorsed Alan Khazei, City Year Co-Founder and Democratic candidate in Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District.

“We are proud to endorse Alan Khazei for Congress in the Massachusetts Fourth District,” said Jim Rosapepe, Maryland State Senator and Vice Chairman of IADLC, who previously served as Ambassador to Romania. “Alan’s campaign presents a great opportunity to elect an experienced, values-driven, Italian-American non-profit leader to serve alongside Speaker Nancy Pelosi as an important Democratic voice in Congress”.

For nearly thirty years, the Italian American Democratic Leadership Council has been the national voice of Italian Americans in the Democratic Party — the national political action committee supporting candidates for Congress and major statewide offices, reaching out to Italian American voters for their presidential candidates, and promoting the appointment of Italian Americans at the national level.

Khazei’s Italian grandparents, Anita and John Picardi became small business owners, operating a shoe shop and a corner store. During the early years of his childhood, Khazei was raised in their home in Kittanning, a small town in the coal and steel country of Western Pennsylvania, and this upbringing played a large role in developing his work ethic and values of community involvement. Alan’s Grandpa John Picardi and his Uncle Angelo Red Mantini fought in WWII. Uncle Red was awarded a Purple Heart.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the Italian American Democratic LeadershipCouncil’s endorsement,” Khazei said. “My grandfather John Picardi on my mom’s side came from Naples, Italy. My great grandmother Anita Mantini and my great grandfather, Augusto Mantini came from Ancona, Italy. Great Grandpa worked in the coal mines of western Pennsylvania, and he was inspired by the late John L. Lewis to fight for the coal miners union. They immigrated to the United States from Italy to provide a better life for their families and participate in our democracy as have so many other hardworking immigrants who have enriched the American culture.”

Founded in 1993 and co-chaired by Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Rep. Vic Fazio and Rep. Frank Guarini, the IADLC has spent the past 27 years advocating for Italian American leadership within the Democratic Party.

In endorsing Khazei, the IADLC points to Khazei’s proven commitment to community service as a non-profit Founder and his lifelong record of putting people before politics. Alan has Founded or Co-Founded nine non profit organizations and has served on numerous non profit boards. Since he Co-Founded City Year in 1988, Khazei has spent his career working in non-profits, serving his community, and advocating for justice.