EMILY’s List endorsed state Rep. Alma Adams in the crowded Democratic primary for a North Carolina special election, according to a news release shared first with CQ Roll Call.

Adams is one of at least seven Democrats, including two women, looking to succeed Rep. Melvin Watt, the longtime Democrat. He is vacating the 12th District after the Senate confirmed his appointment to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency last week.

“Throughout her career, Alma Adams has shown incredible commitment to the women and working families of North Carolina,” EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock said in a news release. “Alma is a trusted and proven public servant and the EMILY’s List community — now three million members strong — is proud to continue supporting her strong campaign.”

This is the second time this cycle EMILY’s List has endorsed a candidate in a crowded special-election primary. The group supports top female Democratic candidates who back abortion rights.

Earlier this year, EMILY’s List endorsed now-Rep. Katherine M. Clark in a crowded special-election primary in Massachusetts’ 5th District that included other female candidates. Clark emerged from that seven-way primary in October, and she officially won the safe Democratic seat last week.

Watt has yet to resign from his seat, which includes the heavily Democratic areas of Charlotte and Greensboro. However, once he does step down, local sources said the special-election dates will likely coincide with the regularly scheduled primary calendar in 2014.

North Carolina’s 12th District is rated a Safe Democratic contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.