Rep. Keith Ellison received an endorsement from the Rev. Jesse Jackson in his race for chairman of the Democratic National Committee on Monday.
“I am proud to support Keith Ellison in the race for DNC chair,” Jackson said in a statement. “Keith has the credentials and the passion to grow our party and lead us into the future.”
Ellison is going up against six other candidates for the next leader of the DNC and is considered a top contender. The Minnesota Democrat, however, has encountered some blowback for his past comments about Judaism.
He faces competition from former Labor Secretary Tom Perez and a host of state party leaders.
Jackson has long been a Democratic stalwart and a major voice in the party. Ellison praised him, thanking him for his endorsement. “Jesse Jackson is one of our greatest organizers and civil rights heroes,” Ellison said in a statement.
“From organizing for better wages and living conditions to fighting voter suppression, Jesse has done it all and seen it all. I am proud to have his endorsement, and I look forward to working with him on these important issues as DNC chair,” he said.
