The Hawaii Government Employees Association announced on Tuesday that it is endorsing Rep. Colleen Hanabusa for re-election in the House and Rep. Mazie Hirono in her bid for U.S. Senate. 

Backing from the state’s largest labor union is significant for both Democrats. But the endorsement is particularly important for Hirono, who is fighting former Congressman Ed Case for the Democratic nomination. 

In a statement announcing the endorsement, HGEA Executive Director Randy Perreira called Hirono a “strong voice for working families,” and described Hanabusa as a “solid member of Hawaii’s congressional delegation.”

Both congresswomen are in Hawaii this week. Civil Beat’s Chad Blair points out a surprising aspect of the HGEA announcement. Read his analysis in Capitol Watch.