A top House Democrat endorsed Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) in the contentious California Senate primary.

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) threw his weight behind his colleague Wednesday, touting her accomplishments in the House and her commitment to progressive causes. Clyburn was widely credited as being President Joe Biden's lifeline during the 2020 Democratic primary.

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"Barbara Lee is the voice Americans need now in the U.S. Senate," Clyburn said in a statement. "She stands by what she believes in, and she doesn't back down. In the House, she is an extremely accomplished legislator with a record of delivering historical achievement to end poverty, eradicate HIV and AIDS, and work for global peace."

Both are former chairs of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Clyburn is widely considered to be more centrist than Lee. His endorsement is significant due to his ties to House leadership. He is currently the House assistant Democratic leader and previously served as the House majority whip under Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who endorsed Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the California contest.

Back in the 2020 election cycle, Biden's campaign was on the ropes following a string of defeats in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. After Clyburn endorsed him, Biden managed to eke out a win in South Carolina and mount a comeback.

The California race, featuring a bruising showdown between Lee, Schiff, and Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), has split the party. Earlier this week, she scored the backing of Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA).

Lee also enjoys the endorsement of Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Troy Carter (D-LA), and Gregory Meeks (D-NY), according to her campaign.

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As the race to succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) heats up, a handful of progressives have urged the 89-year-old senator to step down. So far, she has declined to do so and has reportedly conveyed optimism that she could return to the upper chamber next week, having been absent since February.

Under California's primary system, the top two Democrats could end up facing off in the general election.