Republican John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and a leader of the U.S. civil rights movement has switched his support on Wednesday from Hillary Clinton to Barrack Obama.

John Lewis first expressed his intention to support Obama during an interview with the New York Times on Feb. 14. He said that the voters of his district have shown an overwhelming support for the Illinois Senator and that it is his duty to express the will of the people.

“I think the candidacy of Senator Obama represents the beginning of a new movement in American political history that began in the hearts and minds of the people of this nation,” he said. “And I want to be on the side of the people.”

The 65-year-old civil rights leader said that he had a “deep and abiding love” for Hillary Clinton and her husband, ex-president Bill Clinton. Lewis announced his support for Clinton in October, and has appeared on her behalf on television and at various events across the country, the Associated Press reports.

Clinton said during an interview with Houston station KTRK-TV that Lewis has been under “tremendous pressure” from his constituents, “but he’s been my friend and he will always be my friend.” She added that the voters will have the final word, and their endorsement will be influenced by “what our positions are, what our experience and qualifications are.”

Barrack Obama, on campaign in Ohio, said that “John Lewis is an American hero and a giant of the civil rights movement,” and that he is “deeply honored to have his support.”

John Lewis is a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention. His announcement is made on the same day as another superdelegate, Senator Byron Dorgan of North Dakota, endorsed Obama, citing the candidate’s record on trade. The total number of superdelegates for Obama has reached 201. Although Clinton has lost Lewis, she is supported by 255 superdelegates, according to MSNBC.