Planned Parenthood Votes, the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, has endorsed five state lawmakers from southeastern Connecticut seeking reelection this fall, including Sen. Heather Somers of Groton, one of two Republicans the organization endorsed statewide.

Democratic Sens. Cathy Osten of Sprague and Norm Needleman of Essex also were endorsed, as were Democratic Reps. Christine Conley of Groton and Kevin Ryan of Montville.

The organization endorsed a total of 29 candidates for the Senate and 86 candidates for the House of Representatives based on their support for reproductive rights and access to sexual and reproductive health care. The only Republicans endorsed were Somers and Rep. Terrie Wood of Darien.

“I am incredibly proud of my record of independent leadership that puts results for eastern Connecticut women, families, small businesses and communities before politics as usual,” Somers said in a statement. “In the state Senate, I’ve used my experience building a biotech manufacturing company to champion women in business and the sciences, fought to protect and expand access to vital health care services for women, passed legislation that added pregnancy as a qualifying event for insurance coverage, fought for pay equity for women and passed legislation to ensure fairness in the workplace and voted to protect victims of sexual harassment and assault.”

Also endorsed were two Democratic challengers in eastern Connecticut: David Rubino of Old Lyme, who is seeking the 23rd District House seat, and Kate Donnelly of Hampton, who is running in the 47th District.