Calling all labor candidates: join Path to Power

The WSLC’s candidate training is designed for union members and labor supporters looking to hone skills as they prepare to run for public office

SEATTLE, WA (February 23, 2026) — Are you a union member or allied worker thinking about running for the city council, school board, or some other elected public office?

The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, in partnership with its affiliated unions, is hosting Path to Power: A Political Candidate Training Program, April 21-23, 2026. Location is still to be determined; past trainings have typically taken place in King County or Olympia. This training provides union members and local community activists with the tools and tips to run a successful political campaign and get elected to build power and bring shared prosperity to working communities.

Path to Power, Class of 2025.

Path to Power training is geared toward people interested in running for political office who are looking to hone their skills and increase their effectiveness. The trainers include an array of union leaders, political directors, elected officials, and campaign experts with decades of experience working in the trenches and electing folks up and down the ballot—from the Parks Commission to the Governor’s office to U.S. Senate and beyond.

The training covers fundraising, crafting an effective message, creating a campaign plan, building a campaign team, effective targeting, how to talk to voters, and more.Since 2017, the WSLC has identified and trained dozens of union members and community partners to run for office through the Path to Power candidate training program. Many of them were successfully elected and are among an ever-expanding alumni network.

APPLY NOW for the 2026 Path to Power training. A reference from a union or community leader is required. Space is limited; applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by Friday, March 13. 

Know someone who may be interested? Download and share this flyer with your network.

Questions? Contact the WSLC at wslc@wslc.org.