(FOX 5/KUSI) — Gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer received an endorsement from a major California-based labor union on Wednesday.
Several Democratic candidates are campaigning to replace Gavin Newsom as California’s next governor, with much of the party split over who to back.
Representing more than 250,000 workers in California, the United Domestic Workers (UDW) Executive Board unanimously endorsed climate advocate and billionaire Steyer.
“I am humbled by your support for me,” Steyer said to union members at a San Diego rally on Thursday. “I am honored, I am humbled because as far as I am concerned, you are the people that I am running to represent.”
During his campaign, Steyer has come out in support of single-payer healthcare, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and increasing taxes on the wealthy in California —including himself.
The UDW shared that they endorsed Steyer for many of his platforms, including investments in In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and childcare.
“We need a champion for working people in Sacramento,” UDW President Astrid Zuniga shared in a statement. “Mr. Steyer knows which side he is on, and we believe he will fight alongside UDW to protect California’s investment in IHSS, child care, and in our communities.”
While not in his prepared remarks, Steyer shared that he would support statewide bargaining and close corporate tax loopholes.
“The whole point of my campaign is California is too expensive for the people of California at this point,” Steyer said.
Gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer received an endorsement from a major California-based labor union on Wednesday. (KSWB/KUSI)
Earlier this year, Steyer joined San Diego Kaiser nurses on the picket line during their strike regarding short staffing. Steyer added that he believes workers are constantly going on strike because California has become unaffordable and that the state is at a “breaking point.”
“Sacramento works a certain way, and we’re not going to work that way anymore,” he added.
Following these remarks, the crowd began chanting “sí se puede.” Created by labor leaders Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, the phrase translates to “yes, we can.” The UDW was co-founded by Chavez and other labor activists. Steyer joined the chant.
UDW Executive Director Doug Moore said following Newsom’s terming out of office, Steyer is who they believe will be the best pick for governor.
“Mr. Steyer understands the system is rigged against working families and will fight for the change we need,” Moore shared in a statement.
Months away from California’s primary election, Steyer is still behind Democratic candidates like Katie Porter and Eric Swalwell. All three of these candidates, including candidate Betty Yee, have visited San Diego during their campaign.
Most recently, Porter visited the Tijuana River and announced she would declare a state of emergency if elected.
Swalwell shared with locals that he is running to lower prices and protect Californians from ICE.
Meanwhile, Yee has met with groups like Women of Color Roar and the Democratic Club of Carlsbad-Oceanside.
Recent Emerson polling shows Steyer at about 9%, and other polls suggest the race may be much tighter. However, a majority of voters remain undecided.
At the California Democratic Party’s recent convention, no candidate was able to reach the threshold for party endorsement.
“My campaign is based on a sincere effort to create a California we can all be proud of,” Steyer added. “Where we continue to be innovative, entrepreneurial, invent the future, and we do it and bring everybody along.”
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