Attorney Bob Lord (D), hoping to upend Rep. John Shadegg (R) in the suburban Phoenix 3rd district, has been endorsed by the Sierra Club and the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association.

“I’m honored to have the backing of organizations that see such a bright future for Arizona and the nation,” Lord said in a statement.

Shadegg is seen as having the advantage in the Republican-leaning 3rd district.

But Democrats are optimistic that a strong fundraising performance by Lord, coupled with Shadegg’s decision earlier this year to retire before changing his mind and opting for re-election, could boost the Democrats in their quest for this seat.