West Virginia's AFL-CIO chapter has endorsed Democrat Ben Salango for governor, the candidate said Monday.

Salango, a lawyer and Kanawha County commissioner, announced his gubernatorial candidacy in October and has also been endorsed by former West Virginia governor Gaston Caperton.

“West Virginia’s next governor must have a true commitment and dedication to protecting West Virginia’s working families, and that’s why we are proud to endorse Ben Salango,” said Josh Sword, president of the state's AFL-CIO, which represents more than 600 unions.

Salango is set to face off for the Democratic nomination later this year against a slate of candidates that includes state Sen. Ron Stollings, progressive Stephen Smith and others.

"I am honored to receive this endorsement, and I look forward to working with the WV AFL-CIO to move West Virginia forward," Salango said in a news release.

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