Associated Press

LAS VEGAS - Nevada Democratic congressional candidate and former Assemblywoman Lucy Flores is endorsing Bernie Sanders for president.

Flores said in a statement Tuesday that she would stand with the Vermont senator in the fight to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour and offer free college tuition.

The endorsement comes as many Nevada Democratic elected officials have publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton, including her Democratic primary rival, state Sen. Ruben Kihuen.

Flores is in a competitive four-way Democratic primary for Nevada’s 4th Congressional District seat, which is held by Republican Rep. Cresent Hardy but leans Democratic.

Flores has lagged behind her opponents in fundraising.

Sanders’ Nevada campaign director said Flores is fiercely dedicated to helping struggling communities, and is a role model for transforming from troubled teen to state lawmaker.