The executive council of one of the country’s largest labor union collectives officially endorsed Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison on Thursday for chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, tweeted out a statement explaining the federation’s decision.

“Rep. Ellison meets the high standard working people expect from leaders of our political parties,” Trumka said.

“He is a proven leader who will focus on year-round grass-roots organizing to deliver for working families across America,” he said. “Under his leadership the Democratic Party will embody the values that our members stand for every day.”

The announcement comes after Ellison confirmed rumors that he would resign his House seat if elected to head the DNC in February.