The New York State United Teachers union this week endorsed two Democrats running to flip Republican-held seats in the state Senate in the Rochester area. 

NYSUT has endorsed Samra Brouk, who is running for the district currently represented by GOP Sen. Rich Funke, who is retiring at the end of the year. 

“I am honored to have earned NYSUT’s endorsement, and I thank them for supporting my State Senate campaign,” Brouk said in a statement.

“Our education and healthcare professionals are facing unprecedented challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am so grateful for everything they are doing to serve our state and residents. As a State Senator, I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these dedicated workers, to ensure they are able to provide the best quality services to New Yorkers, especially during this hour of need.”

And the labor group is backing Democrat Jeremy Cooney, who is running for the seat being vacated by Republican Joseph Robach. 

“Our educators and healthcare professionals have stepped up during this crisis and I am incredibly proud to have earned their support,” Cooney said.

“These New York heroes have worked tirelessly to try and maintain a sense of normalcy, especially for our children, during these difficult and frightening times. As a State Senator, I will work to ensure our region and state recover from this pandemic, and to help hardworking New York families grow and prosper.”

Democrats have long eyed both Senate seats in the Rochester area as potential pickup opportunities. This year, the conference is trying to expand its already hefty majority in the chamber after gaining control of state Senate for the first time in a decade two years ago. 

But the next term is expected to be a challenging one for state lawmakers in Albany as the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertatiny over federal aid could force hard spending and taxing choices in the next budget.