Former Rep. Harry Mitchell (D) has endorsed state Senate Minority Leader David Schapira in the Democratic primary for Arizona’s newly drawn 9th district.

“I believe it is important that we elect someone who understands and values our community — and will work hard to represent it,” he wrote in a statement. “This is why I’ve decided to cast my primary vote for Tempe’s State Senator, David Schapira.”

Mitchell lost his re-election race in 2010 to now-Rep. David Schweikert (R). Mitchell’s name immediately surfaced as a contender for Democrats for the seat, but he ultimately opted against a run.

Rep. Raúl Grijalva has also endorsed Schapira.

Roll Call rates this race as a Tossup.