HARTFORD – The primary election of 32BJ SEIU-backed candidate Toni Harp for Mayor of New Haven as well as several aldermanic candidates, is a hopeful sign for a progressive future in New Haven, 32BJ members said tonight.

“As State Senator, Toni Harp has stood with us time and time again,” said Juan Hernandez, 32BJ’s Connecticut District Director. “She has a strong record of achievement. She knows how to get things done, and as mayor, she’ll fight for the issues that matter to working people.”

Hernandez added, “Earning 50% of the vote in a four-way primary is an impressive achievement and demonstrates the enthusiasm for her vision. We look forward to her election as the first woman to serve as mayor of New Haven.”

32BJ members also celebrated the primary wins of endorsed candidates for the New Haven Board of Aldermen: Frank Douglass, Ward 2; Aaron Greenberg, Ward 8; Barbara Constantinople, Ward 11; Santiago Berrios-Bones, Ward 14; Delphine Clyburn, Ward 20 and Jeanette Morrison, Ward 22.

32BJ members voted to endorse Harp in July, and committed to a strong campaign of voter outreach on her behalf. In the weeks leading up to Election Day, members canvassed neighborhoods, phonebanked and worked to get out the vote for Harp and the endorsed aldermanic candidates.

With 145,000 members in 11 states and the District of Columbia, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers’ union in the country.