State Sen. Julie Lassa (D), her party’s choice in the race for the seat of retiring Rep. David Obey (D), on Tuesday got the endorsement of EMILY’s List.

In a statement, EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock described Lassa as a “strong and independent voice to stand up for the hard working men and women of central and northern Wisconsin.”

The formal endorsement by the Democratic organization was widely expected.

Lassa, running in the competitive 7th district, supports abortion rights, and Schriock has spoken favorably about her on Twitter.

EMILY’s List is eager to elect Lassa in a state that has elected just two women to Congress in its history, Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D) of the Madison-based 2nd district and Gwen Moore (D) of the
Milwaukee-centered 4th district.

The likely Republican nominee is Sean Duffy, a county prosecutor who began campaigning last summer.

Duffy’s head start is a reason why Democratic officials wanted to rally around one candidate after Obey’s surprise retirement announcement this month. Lassa quickly became the consensus candidate; state Rep. Louis Molepske Jr. and former state Sen. Kevin Shibilski thought about running against Lassa but decided against it.