Jason Carter, a former Georgia state senator and the grandson of the late President Jimmy Carter, is backing former state Sen. Jason Esteves in the Democratic primary for Georgia governor – a key endorsement for Esteves as he vies for the Democratic nod amid a crowded field.

“I’m proud to endorse Jason Esteves to be our next governor — the strongest candidate to meet this moment and build the coalition Democrats need to win next year,” Carter, who was the Democrats’ gubernatorial nominee in 2014, said in a statement issued through the Esteves campaign.

“He’s the new generation of leadership that Georgia needs, and he still has a long record of fighting for our families,” he added. “I’ve known Jason for many years: I know his family, I know he has heart and wisdom, and I know he understands being a business owner and a public school parent.”

Esteves, in a separate statement, called it “an honor” to have the backing of a prominent Georgia Democrat, adding that “Jason and his family’s legacy of public service is an inspiration to me and countless Georgians across our state.”

Carter announced earlier this year that he would not be running for governor amid much speculation, telling The Associated Press, “I can’t imagine making a decision to run because it’s the wrong time for my family” as his wife battles with glioblastoma, a brain cancer.

Carter had previously told The Associated Press he didn’t plan to endorse anyone, though he hinted that he was supportive of Esteves.

“I’m very excited about Jason (Esteves),” Carter told The Associated Press at the time. 

Esteves is among seven candidates running in the Democratic contest to succeed term-limited Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R). Former pastor Olu Brown, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, state Rep. Derrick Jackson, state Rep. Ruwa Romman and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond are also running.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R), Attorney General Chris Carr (R) and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) are seen as the three most serious challengers for the GOP nod. 

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Kemp’s seat as a “toss up.”