BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) The endorsed Democratic candidate for state Senate in Bridgeport blames a clerical error for unpaid child support.

The Connecticut Post reports City Councilman Richard DeJesus owed $35,700 in child support in 2014 and faced a court order to pay. He calls it a ``mix-up'' because he had been paying $150 a week, but was told it was supposed to be $180.

He also says city information showing he owed $139,433 in back taxes is inaccurate and he doesn't owe as much.

DeJesus has won the Democratic Party's endorsement for the Senate seat vacated by Andres Ayala, who was appointed state motor vehicles commissioner. The election is Feb. 24.

Brett Broesder, spokesman for Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, said the child support issue ``doesn't look good,'' but said all the facts are not available.