Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams. Source: Facebook

State Rep. Stacey Abrams picked up a major endorsement in her bid to become Georgia’s next governor.

Congressman John Lewis, a Civil Rights icon and a local hero, has given her his support.

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“Stacey Abrams is a deeply compassionate and thoughtful leader who is always committed to fighting for justice for the Georgians she serves,” Lewis said in a press release issued by Abrams’ campaign. “Throughout her career, I have watched her work tirelessly to build coalitions to protect the poor and middle class, fight voter suppression, and register hundreds of thousands of people to vote. Stacey Abrams is the only leader in the race who has the experience and an ambitious vision to uplift all families in our state. Georgia must seize the opportunity to be a model for our nation by electing this transformative leader, who strives to empower the people she will serve.”

If she is elected, Abrams would become the first black female governor in U.S. history.

“I am honored to have Congressman Lewis’ support,” Abrams said. “His life’s work is a testament to the fact that progress is possible if we are bold, determined, and never stop imagining a better future for all Georgians. I look forward to working alongside him to become governor of Georgia, and build a brighter state for all of us.”

Abrams, the Democratic minority leader in the state House, represents District 89 which includes Kirkwood. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, she has also received endorsements from U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson and former governor Roy Barnes.