With one week before the Sept. 6 primary, retiring state Sen. Susan Fargo has weighed in on the Democrat she’d like to see fill the seat she has held for the past 16 years.

In an Aug. 30 press release, Fargo, a Lincoln Democrat, named Concord’s Joe Kearns Goodwin as her pick to succeed her as the Third Middlesex District’s state Senator.

“To be effective, a Senator must listen, learn and lead and that is what I have done throughout my time in the Legislature,” Fargo, who announced her retirement plans earlier this year, said in a statement. “I have listened to each of the candidates in this race, I've learned how they evaluate the responsibilities of this office and how they treat voters, and that is why I am proud to offer my support and endorsement of Joe Kearns Goodwin. He will truly be an honorable member of the State Senate.”

In accepting the endorsement, Goodwin lauded Fargo’s work on public health and advocacy on behalf of seniors and military families, calling her a “champion” for the district and “the state’s most vulnerable” constituencies. “She leaves very big shoes to fill, and I will work with her in order to build on the incredible progress she has made for the working men and women of our communities and the Commonwealth,” he said.

Goodwin is one of five Democratic candidates in the Third Middlesex District heading into next Thursday’s primary. He’s joined by fellow Concordian Mara Dolan, Chelmsford’s Alex Buck, Lexington’s Mike Barrett and Joe Mullen of Westford.

On the Republican ticket, Concord’s Greg Howes and Sandi Martinez of Chelmsford are also vying for the seat.