Jesse Jackson snubs Biden, endorses Bernie Sanders

The Rev. Jesse Jackson on Sunday endorsed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for president, a move that could prove a boon to Sanders' campaign as his chief competitor, former Vice President Joe Biden, enjoys strong support among African-American voters.

“With the exception of Native Americans, African Americans are the people who are most behind socially and economically in the United States and our needs are not moderate. A people far behind cannot catch up choosing the most moderate path. The most progressive social and economic path gives us the best chance to catch up and Senator Bernie Sanders represents the most progressive path. That’s why I choose to endorse him today," Jackson said in a statement.

Jackson also noted that the Biden campaign had not contacted him to request his support, while the Sanders campaign had.

“The Biden campaign has not reached out to me or asked for my support,” he said. “The Sanders campaign has, and they responded to the issues I raised.”

Former presidential hopeful Sen. Kamala Harris on Sunday endorsed Biden, pledging to do her utmost to see him win the presidency.

Ahead of a strong Super Tuesday performance that rejuvenated his campaign when he won 10 out of 14 states, Biden racked up endorsements from former rivals including Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke.

As Biden and Sanders prepare to face-off in six more state contests on Tuesday, Biden currently leads in the unofficial delegate count 664 to 573.