New London — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal this week endorsed Michael Passero, the Democratic nominee for mayor.

According to a statement from Passero’s campaign, Blumenthal spoke highly of Passero’s past as a firefighter, city councilor and labor attorney.

Passero said he was honored by the endorsement and “pledged to maintain the positive relationship between the City of New London and Connecticut’s U.S. Senators.”

Passero said he looked forward to working with Blumenthal in the future “on joint initiatives to foster prosperity and growth in New London,” according to the statement.

Passero also praised Blumenthal’s record of obtaining grant money for New London firefighters, keeping the submarine base open in southeastern Connecticut, helping to promote the U.S. Coast Guard Museum in New London and advocating to preserve the rich maritime life and history of New London on behalf of the Maritime Society.