The former mayor of Kauai, Bernard Carvalho Jr., is supporting state Sen. Kai Kahele for Congress.

Kahele is running in the Democratic Primary for the 2nd District Seat.

“From affordable housing to climate resilience, there are many community issues that will need federal support and funding,” Carvalho said in a press release Monday. “We need someone who will help bring in U.S. Housing and Urban Development funding so we can build more homes for our kupuna and young families.”

Carvalho’s backing could prove a boost on the Garden Isle, which is part of the district. It also includes Kahele’s home island of Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Niihau, Molokai and the rural parts of Oahu stretching from Waimanalo to the North Shore to the Leeward Coast.

Kahele has attracted a number of notable backers.

Former Hawaii Governors John Waihee, Ben Cayetano and Neil Abercrombie serve as honorary co-chairs of the Kahele for Congress Campaign Committee.

Earlier this month, former state Rep. Kaniela Ing endorsed Kahele.

Kahele is running for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who is focused on her presidential campaign.

Only one other Democrat has thus far filed with the Federal Election Commission to run in CD2, as it is known. The state filing deadline is in early June.