PROVIDENCE — U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent and former presidential candidate, endorsed three progressive Democratic candidates from Rhode Island on Thursday — David A. Segal for the 2nd Congressional District seat, Matt Brown for governor and Cynthia Mendes for the Lieutenant Governor.

“At this critical moment in history, we need political leaders who have the courage to boldly oppose established power and big-money interests and fight for the needs of working people,” Sanders said in a statement. “I urge the people of Rhode Island to raise their voices and elect progressive top-down candidates on the ballot this Tuesday who are fighting for change – real change.”

Segal, a former state representative and member of the Providence City Council, is running in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for the congressional seat that U.S. Representative James R. Langevin is releasing. He faces Seth Magaziner, Sarah E. Morgenthau, Joy Fox and Omar Bah.

“David Segal is one of those leaders we need in Congress,” Sanders said. “As a lawmaker and grassroots organizer, he championed the pursuit of corporate interests, the dismantling of big monopolies, and the demand that health be seen as a human right and not a privilege. I know he will bring that fighting spirit to Congress, and I am proud to endorse him to represent the people of Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District.

Brown, a former Rhode Island Secretary of State, is running in a Democratic primary for governor against Gov. Daniel J. McKee, Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea, former CVS executive Helena B. Foulkes and Dr. Luis Daniel Muñoz.

Mendes, a state senator from East Providence, is running in a Democratic primary for lieutenant governor against Lt. Governor Sabina Matos and state Rep. Deborah L. Ruggiero.

“Matt Brown and Cynthia Mendes are the clear progressive choices for the Rhode Islanders,” Sanders said. “As community organizers and elected officials, they fought for truly affordable housing and public transportation, Medicare for All, and raising the minimum wage. I am proud to endorse Matt and Cynthia for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island.

Brown said he was honored to have Sanders’ support.

“No one has done more to uplift those who have been left behind and build the movement to usher in a progressive era in this country,” he said. “He inspired millions of Americans, myself included.”

Mendes said Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign was one of the things that inspired her to run for office.

“He has always supported working people and keeps emphasizing the influence of corporate money in our political system,” she said. “We are thrilled to have his endorsement, and we look forward to working alongside him to build the progressive movement in Rhode Island and across the country.”

Segal said, “Bernie recognizes that ours is the only campaign focused on combating corporate vested interests and political corruption in Washington. We need to fix our system and overcome these forces in order to make progress on issues like affordability, basic rights protections, Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and many more.

Edward Fitzpatrick can be contacted at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @FitzProv.