SPRINGFIELD — As Cambridge City Councilor Leland Cheung prepares to head west this week, his campaign to become the next lieutenant governor of Massachusetts was endorsed by several Pioneer valley politicians and a labor union.

Leland Cheung

Cheung, who is among three Democrats running for the number two position in the Commonwealth, has landed the backing of state rep. Benjamin Swan, D-Springfield, Ward 8 City Councilor Orlando Ramos and the Pioneer Valley Building Trades Council labor union.

"I'm endorsing Leland Cheung for Lieutenant Governor because I think he's the best candidate. Leland Cheung is right for the time," Swan said in a statement. "He has an understanding of technology, an understanding of our economy, and an understanding of what's needed for the residents of the Commonwealth."

Ramos, who won his seat on the Springfield City Council in 2013, said that based on Cheung's experience in a similar capacity in Cambridge since 2009, he has an understanding of just what municipalities need and the challenges they face.

"So much of what we do here locally is dependent on what happens at the state level; thus, it is important to elect someone who recognizes that," Ramos said in a statement. "That’s why I am proud to give him my endorsement."

Pioneer Valley Building Trades Council President Dan D’Alma said his group is backing Cheung over Mike Lake and Steve Kerrigan, in part, because of his experience on the local level.

"Leland Cheung shares our vision for rebuilding Massachusetts cities, towns and infrastructure and that means jobs," D’Alma said. "Leland earned our endorsement because he understands the challenges of creating jobs on the local level and as our next Lt. Governor he will be a leader on that issue."

Of the three Democrats running for office, Cheung's travel to Western Massachusetts has been the most limited. Kerrigan, a former staffer to the late Sen. Ted Kennedy and former Attorney General Tom Reilly, has been in the region several times and returned on Tuesday for a meet-and-greet at the home of supporters in Springfield. Mike Lake, the CEO of the Boston-based non-profit Leading Cities, has also traveled through the region. Both have Pioneer Valley endorsements on their state-wide resume.

Other candidates in the race include Republican Karyn Polito, who is running for lieutenant governor as a ticket along with GOP gubernatorial hopeful Charlie Baker. United Independent Party candidate Angus Jennings is running on that party's ticket with gubernatorial candidate Evan Falchuk, and independent gubernatorial hopeful Jeff McCormick is running with Yarmouth Selectwoman Tracy Post as his lieutenant governor pick.

Those looking to meet Cheung and learn more about his campaign are invited to attend a meet-and-greet at the International Biergarten in downtown Springfield this Thursday from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.