Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has endorsed Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam in the Democratic primary for North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District, Sanders announced in a tweet Thursday afternoon.

“She understands the need for an agenda that benefits the working class. That means Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and a living wage,” Sanders wrote in his endorsement. “We need her in the Congress.”

Allam is a longtime supporter of Sanders; she started a club called NC State for Bernie while she was in college, and upon graduating, landed a job as a political director for Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign.

Allam is one of three frontrunners in the congressional race. She’s up against Valerie Foushee, a state senator with over two decades of experience in public office, and Clay Aiken, a former American Idol contestant and activist for children with disabilities.

The INDY also endorsed Allam this week. Early voting for the primary started today.

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Lena Geller is a reporter for INDY, covering food, housing, and politics. She joined the staff in 2018 and previously ran a custom cake business.