Amanda Coyne

The Greenville News

Sen. Bernie Sanders received his third endorsement from a black South Carolina legislator in two weeks today. Rep. Joe Neal, a Richland County Democrat, endorsed the presidential candidate in a press conference at the State House.

Sanders received the endorsements of Rep. Wendell Gilliard (D-Charleston) and Rep. Justin Bamberg (D-Barnwell) last week. Barnwell had previously endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, but rescinded that endorsement and gave it to Sanders. Neal, a pastor from Hopkins, is the fourth longest-serving member of the S.C. House of Representatives.

Clinton's support among black voters has been seen as a significant contributor to her lead over Sanders in South Carolina. Clinton is ahead by an average of 29.5 points in recent state polls, according to RealClearPolitics. Clinton has also been endorsed by many black leaders in South Carolina politics, including Greenville's Rep. Chandra Dillard and Sen. Karl Allen.