Topeka ? Kansas’ largest union for government workers has endorsed Democratic nominee Tom Holland in the governor’s race.

Holland is a state senator from Baldwin City.

The Kansas Organization of State Employees notes his support this year for a $13.7 billion state budget that avoided significant cuts to programs or employee furloughs.

Holland also is a member of the group.

The organization represents 11,000 state workers, and it’s been a reliable ally for Democrats. Of the 52 Kansas House candidates endorsed by the group, only three are Republicans.

The Republican nominee, Sen. Sam Brownback, hasn’t responded directly to the group’s announcement. But his campaign says the state has lost too many private sector jobs.