WASHINGTON, D. C. -- President Joe Biden on Friday endorsed U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown’s bid for re-election in her hotly contested primary rematch with former Ohio Sen. Nina Turner.

“Shontel Brown has been an ardent advocate for the people of Ohio and a true partner in Congress,” the president said in a statement. “We need leaders like Shontel to help continue the fight to respond to this pandemic, lower costs for working families, and rebuild the middle class. Shontel is committed to building a better America. I am proud to endorse Shontel Brown for Ohio’s 11th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Brown issued a statement thanking Biden for his support.

“From day one, I promised to work with the President and his administration to deliver for the people of Northeast Ohio and bring economic relief and quality health care to all Americans,” she said. “That is why I have helped advance key parts of the President’s agenda like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, bringing good-paying jobs to our state, and repairing our roads, bridges, and rails. I will continue to be a unifying leader in Congress as I work with President Biden to deliver for the people of the 11th Congressional District.”