Some of the biggest names in politics and sports are coming out in support of a relatively political newcomer. Phil Murphy, a Boston native and former banking executive with Goldman Sachs, is quickly rising as front-runner to succeed N.J. Republican Gov. Chris Christie as Democratic front-runner for the Nov. 7 election.

Dan Bryan, spokesman for Murphy's campaign, told the Associated Press that former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal is backing the Democrat. This marks a pivot for O’Neal who backed Christie 2013, appearing in campaign ads on his behalf, and calling him a “great man." A native of New Jersey, O’Neal is expected to announce his formal endorsement of Murphy on Monday.

Murphy’s campaign has also announced forthcoming endorsements from Barack Obama, who appointed Murphy as U.S. ambassador to Germany in 2009. The former President will reportedly campaign for the Democrat who served as the national finance chair for the Democratic National Committee under the Obama administration. Former Vice President Joe Biden also joins the list of high profile politicians backing Murphy. Biden made an appearance with the candidate before the June primary.

Check out Murphy's campaign ad.