New London – Democratic Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio announced Monday that his re-election campaign had picked up the endorsement of the Service Employees International Union, one of the largest labor unions in Connecticut.

The SEIU State Council voted unanimously to endorse Finizio on Friday.

"If you are a working person. If you care about education. If you believe that a great economy should be based on good jobs that pay a living wage. If you want to live in a dynamic, interesting but small city - then you will be proud to vote to re-elect Mayor Finizio,” said Paul Filson, SEIU political director, in a written statement. “SEIU, the largest union in Connecticut, believes Daryl Finizio is the best choice for Mayor of New London."

“Mayor Finizio has been a strong supporter of the thousands of immigrant workers who make New London their home,” said Maria Gomez, a truck driver and member of 32BJ SEIU since 2009, in the statement. “We’re proud to offer the mayor our support in this coming election, just as he has supported workers’ families.”

Finizio said he was honored to receive the endorsement and said in a statement “there is a lot at stake for New London’s future on September 16th and I am proud that SEIU will be standing with us on primary day.” 

Finizio is challenging City Councilor Michael Passero, who is endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee, in the primary on Sept. 16.