Democrat Judy Chu on Thursday received an endorsement from EMILY’s List in her bid to succeed former Rep. Hilda L. Solis in California’s 32nd District.

The powerful political action committee, EMILY’s List, supports Democratic women who favor abortion rights. Chu, chairwoman of the state board of Equalization, is the only major Democratic female candidate in the race.

The endorsement offers Chu an added boost in the likely determinative May 19 special primary election in which candidates of all parties will run on a single ballot. Chu’s major opponent in the Eastern Los Angeles District is Democratic state Sen. Gil Cedillo.