ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Unions representing more than 60,000 people in Western New York have endorsed a candidate for Rochester mayor.

Malik Evans received endorsements from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 66 and the Civil Service Employees Association.

The at-large councilmember is looking to challenge incumbent Lovely Warren in a Democratic mayoral primary.

Evans says this is the first time a mayoral candidate in Rochester received a joint-endorsement from both unions.

Evans' endorsements came as the petition designating process began on Tuesday. 

Prospective candidates can start asking people to sign petitions to get on the primary ballot for their race.

Candidates can file those petitions starting on March 22.

Primary Day is June 22.