Linda Cropp’s mayoral campaign received a welcome boost Tuesday as Mayor Anthony Williams threw his support behind the D.C. Council chairman’s bid, saying she would maintain the District’s economic progress and lead the city through prosperity’s door.

Though the Democratic primary is not until Sept. 12, Williams said there was no point putting off the endorsement. He said he “reflected” on the other four candidates before tossing his “unequivocal” support to Cropp, whom he said is the only candidate who played a role in the District’s successes, understands that the achievement is fragile and has a vision of “where we need to go.”