The pro-choice women’s political advocacy group EMILY’s List is stepping into Nevada legislative races, endorsing nine female candidates who face Democratic primaries.

The group, whose name is an acronym for Early Money Is Like Yeast, announced its selections on Tuesday. It typically offers its chosen candidates training on grassroots organizing, communications and fundraising.  

“Pro-choice Democratic women in the Nevada state legislature have been at the forefront of sweeping progress for women and families, including expanded access to reproductive health care coverage and rights for working parents,” EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock said in a statement. “That progress has been under attack from Republicans who have tried, and failed, to push their agenda. These nine women are ready to take their seats in both chambers and vote to support the women and families of Nevada.”

The candidates include:

• Assembly District 37 - Shea Backus, who faces two other Democrats in the primary for the Las Vegas-area seat held by Republican Jim Marchant. The district is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.
• Senate District 10 - Sen. Yvanna Cancela, an incumbent who has one Democratic primary opponent.
• Assembly District 29 - Assemblywoman Lesley Cohen, an incumbent who has one Democratic primary opponent in her Henderson-area swing district. Republican former Assemblyman Stephen Silberkraus is also making a bid to reclaim his old seat.
• Assembly District 24 - Deonne Contine, the former head of the Nevada Department of Taxation who has three Democratic primary opponents in her Reno-area seat.
• Senate District 8 - Marilyn Dondero Loop, a former assemblywoman who has one Democratic primary opponent. Her Las Vegas district, held by outgoing nonpartisan Sen. Patricia Farley, is considered a swing seat.
• Assembly District 35 - Michelle Gorelow, who has one primary opponent in her bid for a southwestern Las Vegas district held by outgoing Democratic Assemblyman Justin Watkins. The district leans Democratic.
• Assembly District 4 - Connie Munk, who has one primary opponent in her bid for a northwestern Las Vegas district held by Republican Richard McArthur. The district is considered a swing seat.
• Senate District 20 - Julie Pazina, who faces former Assemblyman Paul Aizley in the Democratic primary. The swing seat is held by outgoing Republican Sen. Michael Roberson.
• Senate District 9 - Melanie Scheible, who has three Democratic primary opponents in an open seat formerly held by Republican Becky Harris. The district is considered a swing seat.