Giving her candidacy a much-needed boost, Samelys Lopez received the backing of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA) in the race for the South Bronx’s 15th Congressional District seat.

The endorsement, coming roughly six months before voters head to the polls, comes with a heavy volunteer base that’s ready to pound the pavement for Lopez, whose campaign is among those on a shoestring budget. The New York chapter currently boasts a membership of 5,500.

“In a country with unsustainable levels of income inequality, worsening health outcomes and profound housing insecurity, and in a world with dangerously rising sea levels, it is crucial to support bold candidates like Samelys Lopez,” said Chi Anunwa, NYC-DSA Chapter co-chair, in a statement. “In this political moment, we can’t afford to be timid in our demands for a Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and a nationwide homes guarantee.”

In recent months, NYCDSA’s influence has grown, leading the outcry against Amazon’s arrival to New York City that ultimately led to its demise after Amazon executives canceled the deal. In recent months, the group asserted itself onto New York political scene further by propelling Queens District Attorney Democratic candidate Tiffany Cabán, a virtual unknown who lost her bid for district attorney by a handful of votes, to stardom within Democrats’ progressive wing. That endorsement was later followed by endorsements from prominent Democratic socialists that included Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders and Bronx/Queens Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The backing inspired even more cash donations to come Cabán’s way.

The NYC-DSA endorsement of Lopez could lead to an ever greater campaign war chest. As it stands, Lopez raised just over $12,000, the second least amount of money in the race so far.

“I am proud and honored to have earned the endorsement of NYC DSA,” López said in a statement. “The South Bronx has a revolutionary and socialist history that has for too long been held back by conservative, incrementalist and centrist forces. I know together we can bring bold social change to the most exploited area in the Country.”

Lopez, who just recently moved to the South Bronx (residency in the congressional district one’s running in is not a requirement), still faces a tough road to Congress, vying for the seat against a swell of other candidates that include Councilman Ritchie Torres, Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz Jr., Assemblyman Michael Blake, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation executive director Marlene Cintron, community organizer Jonathan Ortiz, and former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. The race for the seat began after current seat-holder, Jose Serrano, announced he’ll not be seeking re-election.

While the group is self-described as a people-powered operation where all voices are heard, Ortiz sees it differently.

Roughly a month before its announcement, the group had held a candidates forum on Nov. 14 that did not include Ortiz, who later inquired about it. He received an email response from a representative, who told him there was “no way to incorporate you (or several other candidates that have approached us in the last week with similar requests) into the endorsement consideration process,” citing the its lack of a “robust, investigative capacity.”

“How is it possible that the first person to register for the race was not given the opportunity to speak about his vision?” said Ortiz, referencing himself.