Rep. Danny Davis (D) is backing former Illinois Deputy Treasurer Raja Krishnamoorthi Monday in the hotly contested Democratic primary for the new 8th district. Davis will also host a fundraiser for Krishnamoorthi on Sept. 30 in Illinois.

Davis’ support puts him on the opposite side of at least one of his home-state colleagues, Sen. Dick Durbin (D), who endorsed Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth earlier this year.

The race between Krishnamoorthi and Duckworth quickly escalated this year to become one of the earliest and most competitive primaries in the country. Krishnamoorthi came first to the race with support from many local officials, but Duckworth carries the backing of some of the biggest names in Illinois politics from her failed 2006 bid for Congress.

Illinois Democrats redrew the 8th district earlier this year as part of their Congressional map overhaul. There’s no incumbent living in this heavily Democratic district — making it an attractive destination for candidates.