The New York Building & Construction Trades Council on Thursday backed five Democratic candidates running in key races on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley.

The union is backing Democrats James Gaughran over Sen. Carl Marcellino, Anna Kaplan over Sen. Elaine Phillips, James Skoufis over Tom Basile and Karen Smythe, who is running to unseat Sen. Sue Serino.

Sen. John Brooks, who is running for a second term in what has traditionally been a Republican-held seat, was also endorsed by the union.

“Our statewide membership has prioritized legislation that defines ‘public work’ and ensures safe, good-paying construction jobs on projects that are publicly subsidized,” said Jim Cahill, President of the Council. “We are confident that these candidates share our vision of responsible economic development.”

Republicans hold a narrow advantage in the Senate with the help of Sen. Simcha Felder, a Democrat who is aligned with the GOP conference.