Sanders' backing could bring media attention and small-donor money to Perriello. Public polling has shown Perriello and Northam tied so far, but neither is well-known and the TV advertising blitz ahead of the June primary has not yet begun.
"We need to elect progressives at every level of government if we are going to beat back the dangerous agenda of the Trump Administration and its Republican allies. Now more than ever we need people in elected office who will fight for middle-income and working families," Sanders said in a statement on Tuesday. "That’s why I am so pleased today to endorse Tom Perriello for Governor of Virginia."
