(KTRS) – Representative Lacy Clay picked up a major endorsement in his reelection bid–President Barack Obama threw his support behind the incumbent just eight days before the August 2 primary.

Clay faces his most serious challenge from State Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal. The President lost Missouri to Mitt Romney in 2012, but took city of St. Louis, which includes Clay’s 1st District with more than 80 percent of the vote.