New London – The national building service workers union, 32BJ, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, has endorsed Democrat Ryan Henowitz for state Senate in the 20th District.

Henowitz is challenging incumbent State Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme.

The union members endorsed Henowitz, who is running on the Democratic Party and Working Families Party tickets, for his support of a $15 minimum wage and more full-time hours for Connecticut workers, according to a statement by the union.

Henowitz, from New London, is a political activist and former union lobbyist who served two tours of duty as a medic during the Iraq War.

“The hard-working janitors and security officers of 32BJ provide the base for our entire economy, and I thank them for their endorsement,” Henowitz said in the statement. “I am honored by their support, and I look forward to fighting for all working people at the State House for wages and work hours sufficient to support themselves and their families.”