The newest member of the D.C. Council isn’t wasting anytime in putting his political weight to use in the upcoming April 23 special election.

Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large), who defeated Michael Brown last November, yesterday endorsed former reporter Elissa Silverman in her bid for an At-Large seat on the council. In a statement, Grosso explained his endorsement:

I have carefully considered each of the candidates for the current race and I am pleased to say that it is a competitive field of candidates and an endorsement of a single candidate was not an easy decision. However, a few key characteristics clearly make Elissa the best choice on April 23rd. She has a deep understanding of the D.C. budget, she has created a broad base of support, and she will come into office ready on the first day free of special interest pressures. Elissa will make decisions that benefit our entire city, not just those who have a financial stake in the outcome.

Ethics and transparency are the core values that any candidate must bring to the Council to move our city forward. Elissa holds these values and we need her strong voice on the Council.

Silverman has been endorsed by former Ward 6 councilmember Sharon Ambrose and her campaign is chaired by former Ward 3 councilmember Kathy Patterson, both of which sided with Grosso in his race against Brown. She has also received the backing of Greater Greater Washington and the majority of votes—though not outright endorsement—from the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club.

Yesterday Interim Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At Large) received the support of Councilmember Jack Evans (D-Ward); she’s also being backed by Councilmembers Marion Barry (D-Ward 8), Vincent Orange (D-At Large) and Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4). Patrick Mara, the sole Republican in the race, has gotten the Washington Post’s editorial board in his camp.