Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) has endorsed Antonio Villaraigosa’s gubernatorial bid, potentially boosting the former Los Angeles mayor’s vote among African Americans and minorities.

“Antonio is working to lift up this state so everyone everywhere has equal opportunities,” Bass said on Tuesday during a joint appearance with Villaraigosa at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College.

According to the Los Angeles Times, she added: “He has built bridges with the African American community for decades. Go to church with him and see the support that he has, the recognition that he has, the affection that people feel.”

According to the United States Census Bureau, African American and black voters make up approximately 6.5 percent of the Golden State’s population. Hispanics and Latinos make up 38.9, percent and Asians make up 14.8 percent.

The Times notes that “Villaraigosa’s support in the African American community is among the reasons he won the 2005 mayor’s race four years after losing.”

During their joint appearance, Villaraigosa reportedly emphasized equal rights and education to promote greater work opportunities.

“I know what education can do to change the lives of people,” Villaraigosa reportedly said.

The race between Villaraigosa and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is tight ahead of the 2018 gubernatorial election.

In July, Breitbart News reported that Newsom and Villaraigosa each hired advisors who know the most intimate details of both men’s extramarital affairs in what could be interpreted as a form of intimidation and psychological political warfare.

In June, the University of California’s Institute of Government Studies found that Villaraigosa had gained six points on Newsom since March, leaving the race to replace outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown at 22% for Newsom and 17% for Villraigosa, with 37% of voters stating no preference.

State Treasurer John Chiang, a fellow Democrat and longshot, ranks third and has outpaced Villaraigosa in fundraising.

Adelle Nazarian is a politics and national security reporter for Breitbart News. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.