The union that represents officers with the Los Angeles Police Department endorsed a school board member for an open L.A. City Council seat in the San Fernando Valley Monday.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League backed Nury Martinez, one of six certified candidates for the May 21 primary. The winner, who will likely be selected in a July runoff, will fill a vacancy left by Tony Cardenas’ election to Congress.

“We know that she will work to fully fund public safety, give officers the resources they need and work to put more officers on the street,” said LAPPL President Tyler Izen. “L.A.’s sworn police officers agree that Nury Martinez is a terrific choice to continue the work of many for safer, more secure neighborhoods.”

The endorsement could translate into a financial win for Martinez. The union spent $644,717 in independent expenditures to support its candidates in the March 5 primary.

The Sixth District includes the Valley neighborhoods of Van Nuys and Sun Valley.

Martinez is a former member of the San Fernando City Council. She is also the executive director of Pacoima Beautiful.