New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams on Thursday announced his endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersSenate Republicans signal openness to working with Biden Hillicon Valley: DOJ indicts Chinese, Malaysian hackers accused of targeting over 100 organizations | GOP senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal | QAnon awareness jumps in new poll Schumer, Sanders call for Senate panel to address election security MORE (I-Vt.) in the Democratic presidential primary.

The progressive New York Democrat pushed Sanders as a candidate who will fight for “transformational change” for all Americans.

“It’s critically important to have someone like Bernie Sanders as the next President because we have to have someone who’s not just going to heal and unite, but who is going to change the system that’s in place,” Williams said in his Thursday endorsement.

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Williams has served as NYC public advocate since last year. He was previously a member of the New York City Council serving parts of Brooklyn.

“I got elected to try to cause transformational change for people who feel their voice hasn’t been heard. Bernie’s done the same thing,” Williams said. “Bernie’s message resonates because everybody understands that they too deserve quality housing, quality healthcare and quality education. We all deserve that, and Bernie Sanders is the one who is going to lead that charge.”

Sanders said in a statement that he was proud to receive the endorsement.

“Jumaane and I share a common cause – to change the systems that make it harder and harder for working families to get by," he said. "I am grateful to have the support of my fellow Brooklynite, and the grassroots support of so many New Yorkers."

Sanders has risen to the top of the crowded field in his second presidential run, garnering support from many progressive officials and advocates as he competes with fellow progressive candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenNo new taxes for the ultra rich — fix bad tax policy instead Democrats back away from quick reversal of Trump tax cuts It's time for newspapers to stop endorsing presidential candidates MORE (D-Mass), who has also emerged as a top-tier contender.