MINNEAPOLIS, MN — In his bid to become the next chair of the Democratic Party, Rep. Keith Ellison has received an endorsement from civil rights activist Jesse Jackson. Jackson rose the prominence when he launched a national campaign for president when he sought the Democratic nomination in 1984.

"I am proud to support Keith Ellison in the race for DNC Chair," Jackson said in a statement. "Keith has the credentials and the passion to grow our party and lead us into the future." "Jesse Jackson is one of our greatest organizers and civil rights heroes," Ellison said. "From organizing for better wages and living conditions to fighting voter suppression, Jesse has done it all and seen it all. I am proud to have his endorsement, and I look forward to working with him on these important issues as DNC Chair."

A news release from the Ellison campaign described Jackson as "one of the nation's most visible figures in the modern day fight for civil and human rights." Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the former chairwoman of the DNC, resigned from her post this summer. The Florida congresswoman's resignation came after a series of emails leaked by WikiLeaks that allegedly showed the DNC was working to undermine the campaign of former Democratic presidential candidate Sanders.



Donna Brazile is the current interim DNC chairwoman, but has indicated she does not want the job long-term.

Ellison has represented the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota in the U.S. House since taking office in 2007. He was the first Muslim elected to Congress.

