Updated: 4:11 p.m.

The Congressional Black Caucus political action committee has endorsed state Rep. Earl Hilliard (D) for the open 7th district House seat in Alabama.

Hilliard, the son of ex-Rep. Earl Hilliard (D), is running for Democratic nomination for his father’s old seat.

The incumbent, Rep. Artur Davis (D), is in the gubernatorial race.

“I wish you the best of luck in the coming election and am pleased to support your efforts,— CBC PAC Chairman Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) said in statement released by Hilliard’s campaign.

Hilliard picked up the endorsement during a swing through Washington, D.C., last week that included a fundraiser with Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.).

The 7th district is a majority black and overwhelmingly Democratic district.

Among those who are challenging Hilliard in the crowded primary is Birmingham attorney Terri Sewell, a longtime associate of Davis.

Sewell has proven to be a strong fundraiser and had banked more than $300,000 as of Sept. 30. Hilliard ended the quarter with just $29,000 but had notable contributions from CBC members Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) and G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.).