Young Chris Carter, a Democrat seeking to represent northwest St. Louis in the State House, announced the support this week of Tax Collector Gregory F. X. Daly.

Chris, 26, is the latest of the Carter clan to seek office. His uncle, Greg, is the 27^th Ward Alderman and his grandmother, Paula, was a State Senator when she died in 2001.

Daly’s endorsement is actually for two offices: Carter is also running for 27^th Ward Committeeman against incumbent Curtis Royston, who is Carter’s rival for the State House seat as well.

Will Daly’s support impact the race?

While Daly is generally popular at City Hall, it’s hard to say how much his congeniality will influence voters in the Baden, Walnut Park and North Point neighborhoods. (Although we’re told 27^th Ward Democrats have endorsed Daly in every single one of his elections — even if most of those contests have featured little or no competition.)

It’s also worth noting that Chris’ aunt, Keena Carter, works in Daly’s office.

If nothing else, Daly’s endorsement offers some good news for the Carter political camp that took a blow recently with the removal of Connie Johnson from the ballot for State Senate.

Johnson is a Carter protege — she shares a campaign office with Chris and Alderman Carter, and was groomed by the late Sen. Carter.

Chris Carter