The International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 126 today endorsed former U.S. Rep. Ed Case in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

“We carefully reviewed the candidates and concluded that congressman Case has the experience and passion to assist Hawaii’s working families to be independent, to prosper and to enjoy the fruits of their labor”, Steve Tsunemoto, president of IUEC Local 126, said in a statement. “Our members depend on a strong Hawaii economy for their jobs and want their children to be able to find good employment here at home also. We believe Ed can best help us accomplish that in the Senate over the next generation.”

Case is running against U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono in the primary to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii. Many of the state’s labor leaders have sought to unify behind Hirono, but Case has won the endorsements of the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly and the elevator constructors.

“I’m deeply grateful to the membership and leaders of IUEC Local 126 for their trust and support,” Case said in a statement. “Hawaii’s unionized workers built Hawai’i today and have a major stake in growing our economy on into our future, and I look forward to a full partnership with IUEC Local 126 and their fellow unions in doing just that.”