Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson on Tuesday endorsed Scott Colom in his bid to become the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate ahead of the state’s March 10 primary. 

Thompson, Mississippi’s lone Democrat in Congress, said in a radio ad that Colom is “honest, fair, and a fighter.”

“We need a senator who will fight to lower prices, create jobs, and protect our health care and hospitals,” Thompson said. “That’s Democrat Scott Colom.”

Colom is currently the elected district attorney for the state’s 16th circuit district, which includes Lowndes, Clay, Noxubee and Oktibbeha counties. 

“​Few leaders have done more for Mississippi than Congressman Bennie Thompson,” Colom said in a statement.  “He has spent his career fighting for fairness, economic opportunity, and investment in communities that too often get overlooked.” 

Colom will compete in a three-person Democratic primary race on March 10. He faces Democrats Albert R. Littell and Priscilla W. Till. 

In the Republican primary, incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith is competing against GOP challenger Sarah Adlakha. 

Much of the Republican establishment has lined up to support Hyde-Smith. Most of Mississippi’s statewide officials, dozens of state legislators and President Donald Trump have all publicly endorsed Hyde-Smith’s reelection campaign. 

The Republican and Democratic nominees will compete against independent candidate Ty Pinkins in the general election.