Democratic congressional candidate Joe Neguse is one of nine candidates nationwide to win support from the Congressional Progressive Caucus in its first round of endorsements, his campaign announced Monday.

Neguse, a former University of Colorado regent from the 2nd Congressional District, is one of three Democrats running for the seat held by Democrat Jared Polis, who has represented the district for five terms and is a candidate for governor. If elected, the 33-year-old attorney would be the first African-American member of Congress from Colorado and one of the youngest members of the House of Representatives.

“The Congressional Progressive Caucus is excited about Joe Neguse’s historic candidacy in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District and proud to endorse him,” said caucus co-chair U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, a Wisconsin Democrat. “Joe is a progressive leader and public servant who will be a critical advocate in the fight for a Medicare-for-all healthcare system, a $15 minimum wage, and many other progressive policies that will help us build a more just society.”

The caucus, formed in 1991, boasts 75 House members and one senator, all Democrats, including U.S. Reps. Raul Grijalva of Arizona and Pramila Jayapal of Washington.

Neguse said he was honored and humbled to receive the endorsement and “to join them in the fight for economic justice, civil rights, and progressive values.”

He’s also been endorsed by leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus and that group’s political action committee, as well as the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, Democracy for America, the End Citizens United PAC.

The two other Democrats running in the district, Nederland Mayor Kristopher Larsen and former Boulder County Democratic Party Chair Mark Williams, are petitioning onto the June 26 primary ballot, while Neguse plans to go through the caucus and assembly process, which commences at precinct caucuses on March 6.

Peter Yu is the only Republican to have declared a candidacy for the seat.