BRIDGEPORT, Conn – After holding an interview with Mary-Jane Foster Thursday night, members of 32BJ SEIU voted unanimously to endorse the independent candidate for Mayor of Bridgeport.

“Working families in Bridgeport need a strong and honest champion like Mary-Jane Foster, who has always demonstrated clear integrity and a commitment to the well-being of others,” said Juan Hernandez, Connecticut State Director for 32BJ. “As the successful daughter of a single mom, an actress turned advocate for domestic violence victims, and a lawyer turned pioneering businesswoman, she has proven her dedication and talent in many spheres — a talent and dedication that she has committed to bring to the fight for a living wage for every worker. Now more than ever, our members and all Bridgeport residents need her kind of talent and honesty in the mayor’s office. Over the coming weeks, we will proudly offer her whatever support we can in this important race.”

With 145,000 members in 11 states — including 4,500 in Connecticut — 32BJ SEIU is the largest property services union in the country. Its membership in Connecticut is largely immigrant and includes men and women working throughout the state as office cleaners, security officers, property service workers and food service employees.