"My friend Keith Ellison is a terrific leader and a strong progressive who knows how to get things done," Harry Reid said in a statement. | AP Photo Reid endorses Ellison for DNC chairman

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid has endorsed Rep. Keith Ellison for Democratic National Committee chairman.

"My friend Keith Ellison is a terrific leader and a strong progressive who knows how to get things done. Now is the time for new thinking and a fresh start at the DNC. Now is the time for Keith," the retiring Nevada Democratic senator said in a statement provided to POLITICO on Sunday.


Reid's backing adds to the growing list of lawmakers who support a potential Ellison bid to succeed interim chairwoman Donna Brazile.

Ellison hasn't formally announced his candidacy, but already Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Raúl Grijalva have backed the Minnesota congressman. Ellison is expected to announce his bid Monday.

If Ellison does run for DNC chairman, he will face former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, a former DNC chairman who announced last week he's running for the job. Other Democrats are likely to jump into the race as well.