The party's 300 dues-paying members, as well as the thousands who support their fight for a "government and economy that works for all New Yorkers," are expected to vote for Squadron, 28, come primary day.

Squadron, a former aide to Senator Charles Schumer, is hoping to unseat State Senator Martin Connor, a former Senate minority leader who has represented residents Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, Greenpoint and lower Manhattan for the last 30 years.

The Working Families Party (WFP) said that a committee representing residents of the 25th State Senate District decided to back Squadron "based on his support for protecting and expanding affordable housing, his demand for public financing of elections and ensuring that development projects meet community needs."

The WFP made the endorsement official last Friday - six months before this year's primary.

WFP members previously backed former Community Board 2 member Ken Diamondstone in
his failed bid to unseat Connor in 2006.

"Diamondstone almost took Connor out and Squadron has already raised a ton of money," said one WFP member, who wished not to be named. "[The 25th Senate District] is a pretty progressive district. People are going to be open to the idea of fresh blood in Albany."

"Connor isn't the face of change in Albany," he said. "He's the face of the old guard."

According to political insiders, Diamondstone is also preparing for a possible run against Connor - which will make this year's Democratic primary a three way race.

WFP members said that they will be going door to door for Squadron, providing him with the "critical momentum" he will need in his fight against Connor.

"Daniel Squadron has the independence, the ideas and the know-how to bring about change and get things done in Albany," said Cobble Hill resident Dorothy Siegel, a member of the Brooklyn
Chapter of the Working Families Party. "Whether it's protecting affordable housing, fighting for our schools or ensuring that Brooklyn Bridge Park becomes a true recreational space, Daniel will
champion the issues that matter to working families in this district."

Squadron said he was honored by the WFP's support.

"The Working Families Party is an unrivaled force for progressive change in the district and the state --exactly what this grassroots campaign to change Albany is all about," he said. "I am
excited to begin work with the best ground operation there is."

While WFP members said that all Senate candidates were interviewed, a spokesperson for Connor's campaign said that the incumbent legislator never sought the group's support.

"It's not surprising [that they backed Squadron]," spokesman Evan Stavitsky said Tuesday. "They didn't endorse him last time, so there was no reason to believe that they would support him this time."

"While we respect the goals of the Working Families Party, this is the second time they have endorsed someone else for this seat and this will be the second time that their candidate will be defeated," Stavitsky said. "Senator Connor will be supporting issues that will benefit working families in his district whether they support him or not."