SEIU Local 1107 endorses Kihuen for Congress

State Sen. Ruben Kihuen has scored a major labor endorsement in his bid for the 4th Congressional District seat, getting the backing of the Service Employees International Local 1107.

The SEIU Local 1107, which represents 17,000 workers and their family members in the private and public sectors, announced the endorsement Wednesday.

Kihuen, a Democrat, will face Republican Rep. Cresent Hardy, who is seeking a second term in the district, which includes the northern reaches of Clark County, North Las Vegas and all or parts of six rural counties.

Calling him "an energetic and consistent advocate for Nevada's working families," Cherie Mancini, President of SEIU Local 1107, said: "Senator Kihuen, being raised in a labor family, understands firsthand the struggles that face the working people of Nevada. I am confident he will be as strong of a voice for the middle class in Washington, D.C., as he was in Carson City."

Kihuen said: "I proudly stood with SEIU and their members as we've fought for a $15 minimum wage, safer staffing standards and a renewed commitment to workers' rights in Nevada and I am honored to earn their support as we take these fights to Congress."

Other Democrats running for the nomination are John Oceguera, a retired North Las Vegas firefighter and former speaker of the Nevada Assembly; Susie Lee, a philanthropist; and Lucy Flores, a former assemblywoman.

The filing period for candidates to get on the ballot is in March, but all announced candidates have filed with the Federal Election Commission and started raising money. The primary election will be on June 14 and the general election Nov. 8.

Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904. Find him on Twitter: @BenBotkin1