Shaughnessy Naughton, a Democratic congressional candidate in Pennsylvania’s 8th District, received her first labor endorsement today. The Ironworkers Local Union 401, an AFL-CIO affiliate, announced they are supporting the first-time candidate who is a chemist and owner of a small publishing business.

“We are proud to endorse Shaughnessy Naughton for Congress,” Business Manager Joseph J. Dougherty said in a statement today. “Working men and women in Bucks and Montgomery Counties will have a real champion in Shaughnessy. Too many people in Washington, including Mike Fitzpatrick, have lost sight of what makes our economy strong: a growing and thriving middle class. Shaughnessy has the right priorities, and in Congress she’ll put the middle class first.”

The Ironworkers Local Union 401 is part of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council. They represent over 1,200 bridge, structural, ornamental and reinforcing ironworkers.

“I am proud to have the endorsement of the Ironworkers Local 401, who have been working hard for good jobs, fair wages, and a shot at an opportunity to succeed for middle class families in our region,” Naughton said. “As the owner of a small, family business, I understand how tough the last few years have been for local families. I will bring that understanding to Washington and stand up for our working men and women.

“Infrastructure is key to getting our economy back on track, and I’ll push hard for legislation to fund major infrastructure projects that will create jobs and grow our Pennsylvania economy. I look forward to working with the Ironworkers to make it happen.”

Naughton had previously been endorsed by the Women’s Campaign Fund and the Women Under Forty PAC. Naughton is currently competing against Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Kevin Strouse for the Democratic nomination in PA-8.