Sen. Jeff Merkley Jeffrey (Jeff) Alan MerkleyThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Trump, Biden renew push for Latino support Sunday shows - Trump team defends coronavirus response Oregon senator says Trump's blame on 'forest management' for wildfires is 'just a big and devastating lie' MORE (D-Ore.) in a New York Times op-ed published early Wednesday became the first senator to back Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersKenosha will be a good bellwether in 2020 Biden's fiscal program: What is the likely market impact? McConnell accuses Democrats of sowing division by 'downplaying progress' on election security MORE’s presidential campaign.

ADVERTISEMENT

Merkley said he’s supporting his Senate colleague over front-runner Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonWhat Senate Republicans have said about election-year Supreme Court vacancies Bipartisan praise pours in after Ginsburg's death Trump carries on with rally, unaware of Ginsburg's death MORE because Sanders “is boldly and fiercely addressing the biggest challenges facing our country.”

“It is time to recommit ourselves to that vision of a country that measures our nation’s success not at the boardroom table, but at kitchen tables across America,” Merkley wrote. “Bernie Sanders stands for that America, and so I stand with Bernie Sanders for president.”

The Oregon Democrat pointed to Sanders’s positions on trade deals, fossil fuels and renewable energy, campaign financing and predatory lending.

Sanders has been hitting those issues ahead of next week's primary in New York, where Clinton is aiming to blunt Sanders's winning streak. She maintains a large delegate lead.

Merkley said Clinton would be a “strong and capable” president, citing her “remarkable record.”

The Oregon lawmaker is among the last senators to endorse in the Democratic race.

Democratic Sens. Jon Tester Jonathan (Jon) TesterPence seeks to boost Daines in critical Montana Senate race This World Suicide Prevention Day, let's recommit to protecting the lives of our veterans Filibuster fight looms if Democrats retake Senate MORE (Mont.), Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenBiden's fiscal program: What is the likely market impact? Warren, Schumer introduce plan for next president to cancel ,000 in student debt The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon MORE (Mass.) and Robert Menendez Robert (Bob) MenendezKasie Hunt to host lead-in show for MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' Senators ask for removal of tariffs on EU food, wine, spirits: report VOA visa decision could hobble Venezuela coverage MORE (N.J.) have not backed any candidate. Sen. Angus King Angus KingShakespeare Theatre Company goes virtual for 'Will on the Hill...or Won't They?' On The Trail: How Nancy Pelosi could improbably become president Angus King: Ending election security briefings 'looks like a pre-cover-up' MORE (I-Maine) has yet to endorse anyone, as well.

"This is just the right time for Oregon," Merkley said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" while discussing the timing of his endorsement, noting mail ballots in Oregon will go out later this month.

Asked if he thought Sanders could win, Merkley responded, "I think that anything is possible in a campaign."

"Obviously the math is an uphill climb," he added.

Jesse Byrnes contributed to this report, which was updated at 7:27 a.m.