Updated: With quotes from Garagioa and O'Malley.
The state's top Democrat will weigh into one of the most competitive primary election in Maryland on Thursday.
Gov.Martin O'Malleywill back state Sen. Rob Garagiola in his bid to capture the nomination in the 6th Congressional District, a significant get for a candidate who has faced a stronger than expected challenge from Potomac banker John Delaney late in the campaign.
The endorsement comes nearly four months after Garagiola received the backing of Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and it arrives at a potentially critical time for his campaign. Delaney recently reported out raising Garagiola by three-to-one this year. The primary is April 3.
"In the State Senate, Rob has been a leader in creating green jobs and developing a renewable energy industry in Maryland," O'Malley said in a statement released by the campaign. "He's been a courageous leader in our efforts to expand healthcare coverage to more Maryland families and to build Maryland's No. 1 ranked schools, and he was one of the key figures in helping pass marriage equality in Maryland. He has never shied away from casting the difficult and tough votes necessary to move our state forward."