The Connecticut Education Association announced today it has endorsed state Rep. Tom Reynolds, D-Ledyard, in his bid for the Democratic Party nomination for the 19th District state Senate seat in the Aug. 14 primary.

CEA represents more than 43,000 public school teachers, retired teachers and college students preparing to become teachers in Connecticut.

“Tom Reynolds is absolutely committed to strengthening our public schools and improving the teaching profession,” said CEA President Phil Apruzzese. “He understands that a school system benefiting all our children is essential to building a 21st Century workforce in the State of Connecticut. CEA and its members are fully committed to electing Tom as the next State Senator for the 19th District.”

Reynolds is facing Democratic Sprague First Selectwoman Cathy Osten in the primary.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of CEA,” Reynolds said. “Fighting for education has been one of the highest concerns of my public service career. As a State Senator, I will keep working to build on the reforms we’ve already enacted, including initiatives that improve our public schools, support teachers and close the achievement gap.”