"Keith Ellison earned the overwhelming support of Democracy for America’s grassroots members because he knows that the Democratic Party is strong when it’s built from the bottom up," executive director Charles Chamberlain said. | AP Photo Democracy for America endorses Ellison for DNC chair

The progressive outside advocacy group Democracy for America is endorsing Rep. Keith Ellison for Democratic National Committee chairman.

Democracy for America polled members over a three day period asking which candidate the group should endorse for DNC chairman. Ellison received 87.4 percent support in the poll.


"Keith Ellison earned the overwhelming support of Democracy for America’s grassroots members because he knows that the Democratic Party is strong when it’s built from the bottom up in every single state, in every single community, every single day," Democracy for America executive director Charles Chamberlain said in a statement on Tuesday, adding, "DFA members know how critically important strong, visionary DNC leadership is at moments like this -- it’s a fight that’s essentially baked into our DNA. Keith Ellison has the deep relationships with the grassroots, the bold vision for a party that works hard for every single vote in all 50 states, and the long-standing commitment to populist progressive values Democrats need to win in the years ahead. That’s why our members are excited to stand with him in the race for DNC Chair."

The endorsement adds to the list of progressive nods the Minnesota congressman has received. Ellison has also been endorsed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Reps. Raul Grijalva and Tulsi Gabbard among others. He's also been endorsed by more establishment aligned Democrats like Sen. Chuck Schumer and received major labor support like the AFL-CIO.

The endorsement comes as the field for DNC chair is still taking shape. Currently South Carolina Democratic Party chairman Jaime Harrison and New Hampshire Democratic Party chairman Ray Buckley are also running to win the DNC election. Labor Secretary Tom Perez has also told top Democrats that he plans to jump into the race soon.