Progressive icon Bernie Sanders is backing Democrats Jumaane Williams and Zephyr Teachout in their bids for statewide office, according to a press release.

The U.S. senator from Vermont, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016, announced on Monday that he is supporting Teachout’s campaign for attorney general and the effort by Williams to wrest the party’s nomination away from Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“This Thursday, New York State voters can take us a major step forward by supporting all those candidates whom are prepared to transform the Democratic Party and fight for economic, social, racial and environmental justice,” Sanders said in a statement.

He singled out Williams and Teachout because he has known them for “many years,” they backed his unsuccessful bid for president two years ago and credited them with leading the progressive movement in New York.

“Jumaane Williams has shown himself to be a bold and independent leader who will fight for working people in every corner of the state. On the New York City Council he has been a leading advocate for affordable housing, rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure and reforming our broken criminal justice system and policing practices,” Sanders said. “In Albany I know that he will fight hard for Medicare for All, for decent paying jobs, for high quality education and for a clean environment.”

Hochul is supported by Hillary Clinton, who beat Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary.

Sanders said that Teachout, who had his support for her 2016 congressional campaign, is campaigning to “transform” the attorney general’s office in New York.

“I am confident that she will combat corruption wherever it hides and will be a strong and independent voice in Albany,” Sanders said. “Zephyr’s work to reform our campaign finance system demonstrates her commitment to ensuring that the government works for all people and not just the wealthy and the powerful. I know she will be fearless in holding accountable those who think they are above the law.”