Theresa Greenfield just earned backing from another major Iowa Democratic force — longtime U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack.

The 2nd District representative, who is retiring after this session, on Tuesday endorsed the Democratic candidate looking to take on U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, complimenting Greenfield's commitment to "Iowa values."

“She’s a farm kid through and through who will roll up her sleeves and bring people together to invest in our communities, solve problems, and make sure all Iowans get the fair shot they deserve," Loebsack said in a statement.

It's just the latest in a long line of endorsements for Greenfield as establishment Democrats coalesce around her candidacy. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also backed her in the race, as have nearly 20 Democratic public officials and party leaders from across Iowa.

Greenfield said she was "deeply grateful" for Loebsack's support and that of other Iowans.

"As Iowa’s next Senator, I’ll be proud to carry on his fight to bring some common sense to Washington, stand up to special interests, invest in education and small business, support our veterans, and make sure all Iowans have access to affordable health care," she said in a statement.

Greenfield previously ran for Congress in 2017 against former Rep. David Young in the 3rd District. She dropped out of the primary race in 2018 after her campaign manager, Noah Wasserman, falsified signatures on her candidate petition.

Wasserman later took out a full-page ad in the Des Moines Register this year to apologize and was criminally charged in April with election misconduct.

She's not the only person running in the race against Ernst: Democrats Kimberly Graham and Eddie Mauro have announced. J.D. Scholten, who ran against Rep. Steve King in the 4th District last year, is also considering a bid.

But according to TIME magazine, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer directly advised Scholten not to run, saying "we don't need a primary" in Iowa's senate race. Scholten is also considering running again in the 4th District, depending on what happens in the Republican primary race.

Scholten said he understands the DSCC standpoint of wanting to clear the field to focus on competing with Republicans. But he also sees value in primaries.

"The last cycle, having a primary for me in the house race made me a stronger candidate," he said. "I understand both sides of the coin ... At this point, it's one of those things where I’m just trying to figure out what’s the best fit for me."

Robin Opsahl covers political trends for the Register. They can be reached by email at ropsahl@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8051.