Katie McGinty has become labor’s candidate in the Senate Democratic primary.

Now, however, perhaps the most powerful union leader in the commonwealth is backing her candidacy.

This week the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council, which represents about forty Philly unions, unanimously voted to back McGinty.

Their Business Manager John Dougherty is a major Philly power broker who has been branching out statewide. Johnny Doc, as he is commonly called, is also the long-time head of IBEW 98 and brother of State Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty.

“Katie McGinty has a track record of uniting labor and lawmakers to build a vibrant, more resilient future for Pennsylvania,” Dougherty said. “Katie is committed to reinvesting in American workers, creating opportunity and strengthening our economy here in Philadelphia and across the nation.”

“I am honored to have the unanimous endorsement of the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council,” McGinty responded. “I am running for Senate to stand with workers and hardworking families. As Senator, I will fight for good paying jobs, investments in infrastructure projects, expanded access to apprenticeship and job-training programs and affordable healthcare. Wall Street has a voice in Washington, workers need one too. I’ll work with the women and men of labor to ensure we uphold the constitutional right to organize and collectively bargain.”

McGinty is running against former Congressman Joe Sestak and Braddock Mayor John Fetterman in the Senate Democratic primary.