People for the American Way, a national progressive advocacy group, is supporting Melvin Carter III for mayor of St. Paul.

Their public endorsement included comments from Gold Star father Khizr Khan, a People for the American Way board member, who became famous during the 2016 presidential campaign after criticizing Republican candidate Donald Trump’s rhetoric toward Muslims. Khan’s son, a Pakistani-American U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan, was killed in Iraq in 2004.

In a written statement from the organization, Khan is quoted as saying: “Melvin has shown throughout his career that he’s committed to helping families and children to succeed in our schools and beyond. He’s demonstrated an ability to bring people together to create stronger, safer communities built on a foundation of respect and integrity.”

The People for the American Way Next Up Victory Fund supports progressive candidates age 40 and under for state and local offices across the country.