Two women’s health groups have endorsed Democrat Norm Needleman of Essex for the 33rd District state Senate seat, Needleman’s campaign announced Wednesday.

Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut PAC and NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut PAC both are committed to supporting and endorsing pro-reproductive rights, pro-family planning candidates for state office. Needleman was endorsed, along with other candidates for Connecticut state races.

“States are the front lines in protecting women’s health and the right to choose,” Needleman said in a news release. “In the State Senate I will be an advocate for reproductive rights and access to women's health care services. I will fight against the extremist elements that have worked their way into Hartford politics.”

Needleman is challenging incumbent Republican state Sen. Art Linares and Colin Bennett, a Green Party candidate. Both Linares and Bennett are from Westbrook.

The 33rd state Senate District consists of the towns of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Portland, Westbrook and part of Old Saybrook.

For information on Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut, visit www.plannedparenthoodvotes.org. For information on NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut PAC, visit www.prochoicect.org.

For information on Needleman’s campaign, visit: www.norm.vote.