Martha Coakley’s Massachusetts gubernatorial race got a leg-up on Wednesday when the first female state Senate President Therese Murray endorsed her for governor, calling her “a trailblazer and a true leader” who can “make history again” if elected for governor.

Murray is backing the attorney general because of shared beliefs on issues ranging from raising the state’s minimum wage, protecting pro-choice laws, and keeping families in their homes by preventing foreclosures. In the past they have collaborated on anti-human trafficking legislation and have worked on improving and protecting the environment.

Coakley is thankful of the endorsement from her friend and looks forward to working with Murray in the possible future.

“Terry Murray has been a friend and an inspiration to me for years and I’m thrilled to have her support,” said Coakley. “She has been a strong, dedicated leader in the legislature, and a constant partner for positive and lasting change through common-sense legislation. I am honored to have worked so closely with her and I am very grateful for her support in my run for governor of Massachusetts.”

The MassInc Polling Group’s poll from Janujary 22 shows Coakley having the early advantage of 17 points over Republican front-runner Charlie Baker. Other Democratic candidates running for governor include former national security advisor Juliette Kayyem, the former administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Don Berwick and State Treasurer Steve Grossman.

Charlie Baker who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2010 is also being challenged by Tea Party candidate Mark Fisher of Shrewsbury.

The primary election will take place on Sept. 16, and the general election is on Nov 4.