California Rep. Ro Khanna on Friday endorsed legislative candidate Neal Walia in the race for an open state House seat, praising the Denver Democrat’s commitment to public service and progressive goals.

Walia, who mounted an unsuccessful challenge against U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in 2022, is running in a primary in heavily Democratic House District 9, which covers southeast Denver and parts of Arapahoe County and is represented by term-limited state Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver.

Noting that they’re both the sons of Indian immigrants, Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley and is a potential 2028 presidential candidate, said that he admires Walia’s persistence following his failed congressional bid.

“I had to work hard to get a break in politics. And, like Neal, I lost. I lost twice before I won,” Khanna said in a video statement. “So I know what it takes to pick yourself back up, to say you’re so committed to public service that you’re not going to give up.”

Added Khanna: “I admire Neal for getting back into the fight, for fighting for an economy that works for all of us, for fighting for healthcare for all of us, for fighting to get rid of big money and actually helping working and middle-class families and immigrant families against ICE abuse.”

Walia is vying for a spot in the June 30 primary at the Democrats’ multi-county district assembly on April 11. Other candidates running for the seat include Monica VanBuskirk, Samuel Valariano and Matthew Curry. Republicans have yet to field a candidate for the seat.

Sirota won reelection to her fourth term two years ago with just under 75% of the vote. She’s running unopposed for the Senate District 32 seat held by term-limited Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver.

Khanna earlier endorsed U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet’s gubernatorial campaign, making Walia the second Colorado candidate he’s backed this cycle. If elected, Walia would become the only Indian American in the legislature.

In a statement, Walia called Khanna “the model for what it means to be a progressive champion-a visionary and a fighter for both bold policy and for our country.”

Khanna, a frequent guest on cable news shows, has partnered across the aisle with Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie on multiple high-profile initiatives, including leading the charge to force the Trump administration to release files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and to assert congressional authority over military actions.

“From leading on economic justice and universal healthcare, demanding accountability and transparency from those in power, removing big money from politics, and his work to push for answers and oversight related to the Epstein files, he represents the kind of leadership our country needs right now,” Walia said.