In his run for the 15th Congressional District Assemblyman Michael Blake secured an endorsement from the union representing the city’s municipal workforce, immediately turning the support into a fundraising plea.

District Council 37 (DC37), a division of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, represents 9,000 employees in the South Bronx district he looks to run. It’s unclear, though, how many of those members are currently registered to vote. Crossing guards, social workers, and accountants, are just some of the jobs that make up DC37.

Henry Garrido, executive director of DC37, said Blake’s campaign for “level playing field” on “affordable health care, quality education, good-paying jobs, and retirement security” matters is what prompted the union’s backing.

In a statement, Blake said he’s dedicated to being an “ally of labor and pledging to protect unions so they can continue to provide critical services for their constituents.”

Blake’s latest endorsement is the largest the West Bronx legislator has received since he first began running for the seat that’s long been held by Congressman Jose Serrano, who announced in March he’ll be retiring. Other endorsements he’s received in the last few months include the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, the Collective PAC, DC9 Painters and the New York City Carpenters.

Serrano’s announcement launched a political floodgate, with at thirteen candidates vying for the race that comprises all of the South Bronx. Other candidates include Council Members Ruben Diaz Jr., Ritchie Torres, and Ydanis Rodriguez, community organizers Jonathan Ortiz and Samelys Lopez, former Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp. president Marlene Cintron.

Shortly after receiving the nod, Blake blasted an email asking donors for support, a tactic he’s used over the last few months. So far, he’s raised the second most money for the race, coming a far distance from Torres. Torres has also received the most endorsements of any candidate so far.

The congressional primary is slated for June 23, 2020.