Dave Young, a state representative from Greeley and one of three Democrats running for state treasurer, notched an endorsement from Colorado’s largest teachers union Thursday.

Colorado Education Association President Kerrie Dallman said the union, which counts 35,000 members, voted unanimously to throw its support behind Young in the three-way primary because of the former teacher’s record steering education legislation.

“Dave has been a crucial force in bringing forth legislation to help our educators and students and to increase funding for our state’s schools,” she said in a release. “With his leadership, we can make sure that every child in Colorado has access to a high-quality public education.”

Young taught public school in Greeley for more than two decades and is a former president of the Greeley Education Association. He’s also won the support of the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.

On Saturday, Young will be vying with businessman Bernard Douthit and Charles Scheibe, the chief financial officer for the Department of Treasury, for a spot on the June 26 primary ballot. It’ll take the support of at least 30 percent of delegates to the Democrats’ state assembly in Broomfield to make the primary.

Six Republicans are also seeking the job. Four of them – state Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, state Rep. Justin Everett, R-Littleton, Routt CountyTreasurer Brita Horn and prosecutor Brett Barkey – are attempting to qualify for the ballot at the GOP state assembly Saturday in Boulder. Two others, state Rep. Polly Lawrence, R-Roxborough Park, and businessman Brian Watson, have submitted petitions, which are under review by state officials.

The incumbent treasurer, Republican Walker Stapleton, faces term limits and is running for governor.