A nationally renowned nature photographer based in Colorado and a Front Range labor union and have both endorsed Cary Kennedy, one of nine Democrats running for governor, her campaign announced.

The former state treasurer won the support of John Fielder and Pipefitters Local 58 as the campaign for the nomination to take over from term-limited Gov. John Hickenlooper, also a Democrat, intensifies.

“Cary Kennedy loves our state as I do,” said Fielder, whose iconic photography has captured Colorado’s landscapes and wildlife for more than four decades. “She appreciates the multitudes who visit Colorado and the contribution they make to our recreation-based economy. Many of these people will live here one day. Most importantly, Cary has a plan to protect the very reasons why our state is so attractive. I support Cary for governor confident that her leadership will influence the decisions needed to preserve Colorado’s land and water resources that I love to photograph.”

“Pipefitters Local 58 is proud to endorse Cary Kennedy for Governor. Colorado needs a leader like Cary at the capitol who will be a champion for working families, fair labor practices, and opportunities for economic advancement for all of Colorado,” said Ron Lentz, the union’s business manager, in a statement.

The Colorado Springs-based union represents plumbers, pipefitters and heating and ventilation service journeymen in El Paso and Pueblo counties.

Kennedy’s campaign said she’s drawn crowds of between 50 and 100 people at campaign stops in Durango, Alamos and Fort Collins in the past week. She’s meeting voters at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17., at Brues Alehouse in Pueblo and opening a campaign office on Friday, Jan. 19, in Colorado Springs at 128 E. Las Animas St.

The other leading Democratic candidates for governor include Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne, U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, former state Sen. Mike Johnston and businessman and civic leader Noel Ginsburg.