“We are thrilled to announce our endorsement of Anthony Eramo,” Lisa Tyson, executive director of LIPC, said in a statement. “This was an easy decision for us. Only one candidate has a clear record of fighting for working families in the South Shore. I’ve worked closely with Anthony for many years fighting for fair elections, good jobs, and an economy that works for everyone, so I know he has what it takes to help fix Albany.”

Eramo, whose West End home was destroyed in Hurricane Sandy — he is currently rebuilding, and hopes to return in July with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children — said that he was motivated to run, in part, by the opportunity to advocate on the state level for storm victims and for funding for resiliency projects.

“I expect the turnout to be high,” he said of the race, “I feel like I can represent the people much better, especially those still hurting from Sandy. I will be in a much better position to get the resources that all of the communities need because of my experiences on the Long Beach City Council and as a resident who lost his home.”