A western New York building and construction trades labor organization on Tuesday backed Gov. Kathy Hochul for a full term in 2022, giving her a boost as she seeks to win a Democratic primary in June. 

Hochul won the backing of the Buffalo & Niagara County Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents more than 12,000 union members in Erie and Niagara counties. 

“It is a tremendous privilege to be endorsed by the hardworking men and women of organized labor who are building Western New York’s future,” Hochul said. “Whether it is fighting to protect and create good-paying union jobs or making robust investments in our infrastructure, my administration is committed to a pro-worker agenda that strengthens our middle class. I look forward to working with the Buffalo and Niagara Building Trades Council to ensure New York remains a proud union state.”

Hochul is facing a Democratic primary that includes Attorney General Letitia James, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and, potentially, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. 

The labor group includes more than a dozen local unions across both counties, and leaders there pointed to their long-standing relationship to Hochul.

“We’ve known her for thirty years,” said Paul Brown, the group's president. “Governor Hochul is a great person and she’s good for labor. We overwhelmingly voted to endorse early because we’re confident that the governor has our back and will continue to stand with and up for the working people of New York. We cannot wait to continue working with her on projects essential to our region and ensure that New York remains one of the most union-friendly states in the nation. We encourage all unions and their members to get on board and support this administration that has shown its dedication to working people.”