Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) on Friday threw his support behind former state Del. Brian Moran in the commonwealth’s three-way Democratic gubernatorial primary.

“When I was young, my family instilled in me an appreciation for the challenges of public service,— Kennedy said in a statement released by Moran’s campaign. “Brian Moran also comes from such a family. As governor, I know he will represent the values that have made Virginia strong throughout our nation’s history.—

Kennedy serves with Moran’s older brother, Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.), on the Appropriations Committee. Brian Moran is facing former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe and state Sen. Creigh Deeds in the June 9 primary. McAuliffe had led in public polls.

Besides his brother, Kennedy is Moran’s highest-profile Congressional supporter to date. Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-Ind.) — another appropriator and a close ally of the elder Moran — has contributed to Brian Moran through his political action committee, and the former state lawmaker has also gotten contributions from former Reps. L.F. Payne (D-Va.) and Vic Fazio (D-Calif.).

A slew of current and former lawmakers are supporting McAuliffe, a top fundraiser for and ally of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Moran’s campaign also announced Friday that Ethel Kennedy, widow of former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, will host a fundraiser for Moran on May 27 at the Kennedy family home, Hickory Hill, in McLean.