COLUMBUS, Ohio—Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden picked up endorsements Tuesday from nine more Ohio House members, padding his endorsement lead among Democratic officials in the state.

The nine lawmakers, all women, include three freshmen who unseated Republicans in suburban districts: Columbus-area state Reps. Mary Lightbody and Allison Russo, as well as state Rep. Jessica Miranda from suburban Cincinnati.

The others include Assistant Minority Leader Kristin Boggs of Columbus, Rep. Lisa Sobecki of suburban Toledo, and four Northeast Ohio representatives – Randi Clites of Ravenna, Tavia Galonski of Akron, Michele Lepore-Hagan of Youngstown, and Bride Rose Sweeney of Cleveland, .

Russo, in an interview, said the former vice president not only has the best chance of beating President Donald Trump in November, but would elevate support for other Democratic candidates at a time when Ohio House Democrats are trying to net two more seats to break the GOP’s 60-vote supermajority.

Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) endorsed Joe Biden for president, becoming the first prominent New Jersey Democrat to take sides following the withdrawal of Cory Booker from the race on Monday.

“We need a nominee who can calm partisan divisions, unify the country, and, once elected, rebuild our government institutions and leadership in the world,” Malinowski said. “Joe Biden will run the campaign we need to win in November; defend the middle class, and restore decency, honesty, and respect for the rule of law to the White House.”

Malinowski joined the rest of the New Jersey congressional delegation in endorsing Booker last February.

The freshman 7th district congressman said that Biden “already enjoys diverse support within our party and that he knows how to lift up the voices of all Americans.”

“As a former Assistant Secretary of State, I am also eager to support a nominee with the experience to restore the place of respect America once occupied on the world stage,” Malinowski said. “Joe Biden can do that.”