Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Niki Tsongas, broke ranks with the men in her House delegation, endorsing state Attorney General Martha Coakley in the special Senate election.

Tsongas, who herself went to Congress via a special election in 2007, touted Coakley’s record as attorney general and service to the state. “I am proud to endorse Martha Coakley for U.S. Senate because she will be that thoughtful, innovative, effective leader Massachusetts urgently needs,” she said in a statement.

In backing the attorney general, Tsongas passed over her House colleague, six-term Rep. Michael E. Capuano who is one of three men running against Coakley in the Dec. 8 Democratic primary. Four other Massachusetts House members have endorsed Capuano: Democratic Reps. Jim McGovern, Barney Frank, John F. Tierney and Stephen F. Lynch.