U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., has formally endorsed Rob Krupicka in the Alexandria councilman’s bid for the state Senate seat to be vacated by retiring Sen. Patsy Ticer, D-Alexandria.

“Through his work on the City Council, the State Board of Education, his environmental leadership with Alexandria’s Eco-City program, his in-depth knowledge, and advocacy for mass transit solutions, and his state and national experience on early childhood education policy, he has established himself as a progressive champion for Northern Virginia,” said Connolly.