Updated with confirmation of Political Director Dan Hoffer.
A union representing Haverhill school custodians and cafeteria workers has endorsed Methuen Democrat Jessica Finocchiaro over freshman state Senator Kathleen O’Connor-Ives.
Political Director Dan Hoffer confirms the committee on political action of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 888 voted last Thursday night, “unanimously,” to endorse Finocchiaro. Besides Haverhill school workers, SEIU represents more than 8,500 public service workers.
Barbara L’Italien is seeking the state senate seat to be vacated by Sen. Barry Finegold, who is running for state treasurer.
Finocchiaro also received the endorsement of MassAlliance, a coalition of education, environmental and civil rights groups, according to the group’s website. MassAlliance also endorsed former state Rep. Barbara L’Italien, a candidate for state senator from Andover.
Meanwhile, Ives’ campaign said it plans to open its Methuen campaign headquarters tonight at 16 Hampshire Street, and its Salisbury office Wednesday night.
Finocchiaro is Methuen’s representative to the Greater Lawrence Technical School District Committee and serves as the committee’s vice-chair. Ives first won the Democratic primary in 2012 with 38 percent of the vote. The 1st Essex district includes Amesbury, Haverhill, Newburyport, North Andover (precincts 1 through 4), Merrimac, Methuen and Salisbury. The Democratic primary takes place Tuesday, Sept. 9.