DENVER – State Sen. Rhonda Fields, an Aurora Democrat, has thrown her support behind Levi Tillemann in the two-way Democratic primary in the 6th Congressional District – giving the clean energy expert and author a boost with his first endorsement from a sitting legislator.

Tillemann is facing attorney and veteran Jason Crow in a primary for the seat that covers Aurora and portions of Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties. Incumbent Republican Mike Coffman is facing Roger Edwards in the GOP primary.

“I know how hard this job can be,” Fields said in a statement. “I’m confident Levi has the courage, heart and can-do spirit to get the job done and represent the myriad of voices in CD6.”

Her daughter, Maisha Fields, went to work for the Tillemann campaign last week as its political director.

Crow has been endorsed by a dozen current and former legislators, as well as other prominent Democrats including U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter and former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

Fields, who considered running for the 6th Congressional District seat this cycle, was appointed to Aurora’s House District 42 in 2010 and won election to her first full term later that year. She was elected two years ago to represent Senate District 29.

“As the first African-American senator to represent the people, families, neighborhoods and small business communities of Arapahoe, it’s an honor to endorse Levi Tilleman for Congress,” she said in a written statement. “I have spent my career fighting to help those in need, I know first-hand how the economic hardships and tactics to repeal the Affordable Care Act and deport DACA students have had on my community. ?Levi, a clean energy entrepreneur and Obama administration alum has demonstrated his commitment to progressive values, fighting for environmental justice and greater economic security for all. He is energetic, hard-working and is mobilizing grassroot communities to beat down Mike Coffman.”

Fields introduced Tillemann Saturday at the Arapahoe County Democratic assembly, where Crow corralled 68 percent of the delegates ahead of the district assembly, which takes place April 12 at Gateway High School in Aurora. At that gathering, it’ll take the support of 30 percent of delegates to land a spot on the June primary ballot.

Tillemann is also attempting to qualify for the  primary via petition, which requires the signatures of 1,000 Democrats who live in the district. Election officials are reviewing his petitions.