Former Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan is pirouetting into the Rhode Island gubernatorial race. Kwan is featured in a new ad supporting her husband, Clay Pell, in the state's Democratic primary.

The 30-second ad titled "Equality" is Kwan's attempt to appeal to the state's female voters.

"One of the reasons I'm so excited about my husband, Clay Pell's candidacy is because Clay is committed to a women's-equality agenda that strengthens protection for women in areas like pay equity, sexual harassment and domestic violence," Kwan says in the ad. "Clay knows Rhode Island can be ready for tomorrow by making it one of the best places for women to live and work. Clay believes what I believe: We need equality for all women."

In a May WPRI 12/Providence Journal poll Pell placed third among the four Democrats vying for the nomination. Pell trailed behind Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and Treasurer Gina Raimond with only 12 percent of respondents supporting his candidacy-though 22 percent had yet to make up their minds.

"Throughout her career as an Olympic figure skater, and her time as a public policy envoy with the U.S. Department of State (where she's served since 2006), Michelle has been a strong advocate for the empowerment of girls through sports, and for women's rights," the Pell campaign wrote in a press release today.

The primary election will be held on Sept. 9.