Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Democrat David Crowley for governor of Wisconsin, releasing a 48-second video urging voters to back him. If elected, Crowley would be the state’s first Black governor.

“David’s life story is about overcoming adversity. And his life’s work is about bringing people together,” Obama says in the video. He noted that, like him, Crowley started out as a community organizer.

Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, faces Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany, who has the backing of President Donald Trump. Wisconsin is a key battleground in this year’s midterms.

Obama has often been deployed in the final weeks of Wisconsin races to boost turnout. He campaigned in Milwaukee for Democrats in 2018 and 2022. The endorsement puts the race in the national spotlight, with both parties viewing Wisconsin as a must-win state.

Wisconsin has been decided by razor-thin margins in recent elections, making every endorsement count. Both parties have already spent heavily on advertising in the state ahead of November.