The National Women’s Political Caucus-South Bay (NWPC) has endorsed Joen Garnica for Long Beach City Council’s Second District seat, Garnica’s office announced today. Garnica is running against Eric Gray and Jeannine Pearce.

The NWPC is “a pro-choice, multicultural, intergenerational, and multi-issue grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process and creating a true women’s political power base to achieve equality for all women,” its website states. The organization recruits, trains and supports pro-choice women candidates for elected and appointed offices at all levels of government, across party lines.

NWPC-South Bay President Carmen Shaye confirmed Garnica’s endorsement this evening.

“I am honored that this organization of involved, thoughtful women has chosen to endorse my candidacy,” Garnica stated. “It means that they believe in me, my vision, and share my drive to be a strong leader for my community.”

The announcement comes on International Women’s Day, a point Garnica was quick to make.

“International Women’s Day is important because it highlights the need for us to push further for equality for women worldwide,” she stated in her announcement. “It’s also a day to recognize women who have made significant strides in uplifting themselves, their communities, and women. I strive to embody the values that have been passed down to me by women before me.”

The NWCP joins businesses such as Lola’s Mexican Cuisine and The Pike Bar, former U.S. Representative Steve Kuykendall, former president of the Promenade Area Residents Association and founding member of the Downtown Residential Council Eric Carr, MADE in Long Beach’s DW Ferrell and Long Beach artist Emily Tanaka, in endorsing Garnica. For a complete list of endorsements, click here.