Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cary Kennedy has landed the backing of two powerful Colorado teachers unions, her campaign said.

The Colorado Education Association and the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers endorsed Kennedy, a former state treasurer, on Wednesday at her campaign headquarters inside a converted, historic elementary school in Denver.

Kennedy wrote and helped pass Amendment 23, a statewide ballot measure that boosts state spending on education. She also put together the Building Excellent Schools Today program, which has provided more than $1.2 billion funding to communities to replace or repair schools.

“Cary is the best person to take Colorado into the future. She understands the challenges that Colorado faces across our great state. As an education advocate, she transformed our education system through policies and increased funding, and as treasurer and saw us through the great recession. Cary has what it takes to keep Colorado moving forward. We know that Cary can win in the primary and in November,” said CEA president Kerrie Dallman.

Sarah Mesmer, president of AFT-Colorado, called Kennedy “a candidate who is clearly dedicated to prioritizing public education” in the state.

“She recognizes educators as professionals and understands the importance of high quality education in both the classroom and community. We are confident that under her leadership the many issues impacting our students, including teacher shortages, inadequate compensation, and overall school funding will be solved,” Mesmer said.

According to Kennedy’s campaign, candidates supported by the unions last fall won in 82 percent of the school board elections where the groups made endorsements.

The other leading Democratic candidates for governor include U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, a former elected statewide Board of Education member and the founder of the New America School for immigrants; former state Sen. Mike Johnston, a former teacher and principal and the author of landmark education reform legislation; plastics manufacturer and civic leader Noel Ginsburg, a founder of CareerWise Colorado, a school-to-career program; and Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne, a former top health care executive.

This post has been updated to include comments from the union presidents.