WSLC endorses pro-worker candidates for State Legislature

The following is from the WSLC:

‘At a time of great uncertainty, participating in our democracy and making our voices heard is all the more essential’

SEATTLE, WA (May 19, 2025) — Hundreds of delegates representing local unions affiliated with the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (WSLC) voted on endorsements for nine special legislative races this weekend, delivering sole endorsements in each race. The WSLC is the largest labor organization in the state, made up of more than 650 local unions representing more than 600,000 union members from the Canadian border to the Columbia River, and the Peninsula to the Palouse.

“At a time of great uncertainty, participating in our democracy and making our voices heard is all the more essential,” said WSLC President April Sims and WSLC Secretary Treasurer Cherika Carter. “Our movement is proud to endorse pro-worker candidates who are committed to keeping Washington a welcoming home for all working people and defending our communities from a federal administration openly hostile to working families.”

Here are the WSLC 2025 Election Endorsements made May 17. Additional endorsements may be considered at the WSLC’s 2025 Convention to be held in Vancouver, WA in July.

Unlike corporations and big money interest groups, organized labor has an open and democratic process for candidates to earn union support. Candidates seeking endorsement participate in a process that includes questionnaires and interviews with local unions and regional Central Labor Councils. Those local union organizations then make recommendations for the state convention to consider and vote upon. By WSLC constitution, endorsements require a two-thirds majority vote.

The WSLC endorsement comes with on-the-ground support form union members statewide, including household walks, worksite leafleting, and personal phone calls to fellow union families. It also includes direct mail and other forms of political outreach intended to explain why endorsed candidates and ballot measures have earned labor’s support.

“The strength of Labor’s endorsement is found in our people power,” said WSLC Political & Strategic Campaigns Director Osta Davis. “We’re ready to get to work making the case for our endorsed candidates and bringing home big wins for working people this election cycle.”