On Wednesday evening , Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., endorsed former Detroit Public Health Chief Abdul El-Sayed for governor of Michigan. Sanders cited El-Sayed’s support of “Medicare for All,” tuition-free public colleges and universities, a $15 minimum wage, and strong environmental protections in the course of his endorsement.

I’m proud to endorse @AbdulElSayed for Governor of Michigan. As governor, Dr. El-Sayed will fight for a government in Lansing that represents all the people, and not just wealthy special interests. https://t.co/L4sXyHeEYr

Under @AbdulElSayed 's leadership Michigan can help lead the nation in guaranteeing health care for all through a Medicare for All single-payer type system, tuition-free public colleges and universities; a minimum wage of $15 per hour and strong environmental protections.

El-Sayed hired veteran Sanders organizers to run his campaign and has crafted a platform seemingly designed to appeal to the senator’s supporters. In particular, El-Sayed’s uniquely detailed state-level, single-payer plan sets him apart from his primary opponents, who have either declined to support a Michigan single-payer plan or have offered support in name only.

The candidate faces an uphill battle for the Democratic nomination: Former Michigan Democratic Senate leader Gretchen Whitmer leads the field with 39 percent of the vote, according to a recent poll. She’s followed by largely self-funded businessman Shri Thanedar, who has 17 percent of the vote. El-Sayed trails at 12 percent, with around one-third of voters still undecided.