U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum is supporting Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak in a crowded Democratic governor’s race.

Rybak’s campaign announced McCollum’s endorsement on Wednesday.

McCollum says in a letter that Rybak is the best candidate to win a contested August primary and the November general election. She also cites his early support for President Barack Obama.

McCollum had earlier backed former state Sen. Steve Kelley, who dropped out of the race.

Rybak is vying with five other Democrats for the party’s endorsement this weekend in Duluth.