PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals has endorsed state Rep. David Segal for Congress in the 1st District.

Union president Marcia Reback said Monday that Segal, of Providence, earned the endorsement by being "a strong voice for education and working families in the General Assembly."

The union represents 10,000 workers, including roughly 7,000 public school teachers in 11 districts.

The teacher's union endorsement follows a national endorsement last week from US Action Fund for a True Majority, according to the Segal campaign.

Segal is one of four Democrats running in a primary for the 1st District seat: Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, buisnessman Anthony F. Gemma, and former state Democratic Party Chair William Lynch.