MINNEAPOLIS — Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has endorsed U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison for Minnesota attorney general and plans a pair of rallies in support.

Sanders said Ellison will be a “fighter for working people,” pointing to his experience in Congress and as a civil rights attorney before he was elected in 2006. Sanders announced plans Friday for events in Minneapolis and Duluth next week.

Ellison entered a crowded Democratic primary after incumbent Lori Swanson’s late shift to the governor’s race last month. State Rep. Debra Hilstrom, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and Matt Pelikan are also running.

Ellison has attracted key endorsements, including from Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and several Democrats in the Legislature.

The primary election is Aug. 14.