Former state Rep. Nelson Merced is endorsing Carlos Henriquez in the Fifth Suffolk District race, Henriquez told Lit Drop on Thursday night.

Henriquez is a community activist and former City Hall aide who has run twice against City Councillor Chuck Turner.

Merced was the first Latino elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, serving for two terms. Althea Garrison, a frequent candidate for public office, knocked Merced off the Democratic ballot in 1992 by successfully challenging him on an electoral technicality. She would go on to serve one term in the House.

Henriquez also received the endorsement of the local chapter of the National Organization for Women and Oiste, a top Latino political group.

The other candidates include Garrison, Barry Lawton, an East Boston high school teacher, and perennial candidate Roy Owens.