State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montco) picked up another union endorsement today in the race to replace Allyson Schwartz in Pennsylvania’s 13th congressional district: the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP).

“Daylin Leach has always been a tireless advocate for Pennsylvania’s nurses and health professionals in the state legislature, so it was with a great sense of friendship that the PASNAP executive board voted to endorse Daylin Leach for Congress,” said Patricia Eakin, PASNAP President in a press release.

“We know that once elected, Daylin will work in Washington to ensure safe hospital staffing levels, and we know he will always stand with us as we fight to organize and provide high quality health care to our patients.”

“I have always been a proud supporter and admirer of the work that Pennsylvania’s nurses do every day, for long hours, and often without enough recognition,” Leach said. “In Washington, I will continue to fight every day to make sure that Pennsylvanians have access to the best health care, and the best health care workers.”

Leach and PASNAP have been on the same side of numerous legislative issues. Last April the group held a rally at the state Capitol in support of SB 637, a bill Leach had co-sponsored. The PA AFL-CIO said that Leach’s bill and its House counterpart would protect patients and healthcare workers by preventing staff cuts. This “safe staffing” legislation shows that Leach and PASNAP have a long track record as allies.

According to its website, PASNAP was formed in 2000 and “in addition to bargaining contracts that set standards for health care workers, we work to gain universal access to high quality and affordable health care for everyone. We support Medicare for All.”

This endorsement, along with the backing of the UAW, strengthens Leach’s claim as the most progressive candidate in the race.

PASNAP also endorsed Allyson Schwartz, the woman Leach hopes to succeed, in her bid for PA governor.

Leach faces physician and activist Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, state Rep. Brendan Boyle, and former Congresswoman Marjorie Margolies in the Democratic primary.