Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston), who is running for governor in the Democratic primary, has secured the endorsement of Chicago Ald. John Arena (45th Ward).

“Daniel is the only candidate we trust to build a powerful, progressive movement in our state,” Arena said in a Biss campaign release, which also said Biss has gained the backing of the 45th Ward Independent Democratic Organization. “Creating an Illinois that supports middle-class and working families is going to require a governor who can harness the power of our communities and Daniel gets that,” Arena said in the release.

As a grass-roots organizer and middle-class father, Arena said he is proud to be able to throw his support behind a candidate like Biss.

“Daniel understands that organizing alongside groups like the 45th Ward Independent Democrats is the only way to win progressive reforms and build a truly representative government,” Arena said in the release. “We’re proud to endorse Daniel Biss, excited to vote for him in March and November, and prepared to work together to grow our movement in this election cycle and in years to come.”

Biss said he is just as proud to gain the support of Arena and his organization.

“It’s an honor to receive the endorsements of John Arena and the 45th Ward Independent Democrats,” he said in the release. “By uniting their community around an inspiring and inclusive vision, John and the other leaders in the 45th Ward have created a powerful roadmap for progressive reform. To elect the grass-roots candidates we believe in and implement the forward-thinking policies we deserve, we need to bring people together in every ward and every district. And this election gives us an opportunity to do just that – to galvanize our communities to fight for progressive reforms in this cycle and beyond.”

Biss is running against JB Pritzker and Chris Kennedy in the Democratic primary.