Labor Helps Secure Yamada Victory

Mobilization Coordinator, Sacramento Central Labor Council

Working families made their voices heard on Election Day when Mariko Yamada captured the Democratic nomination for the 8^th Assembly District. It is well known that organized labor played a large part in the victory.

For those of us in the labor movement, the choice was clear. As a social worker and union member, Yamada has committed her entire career to addressing the hardships to working families. For over 30 years her dedication to social and economic justice has been consistent and unfaltering. Her opponent on the other hand, directed a lobbying group – EdVoice – that bills itself as an advocate for schoolchildren and parents while taking local control away from school districts and teachers. In addition, EdVoice’s top financial supporters include a group of wealthy business executives – most large Republican donors.

It is no secret that from day one Yamada was the underdog. Christopher Cabaldon had unlimited funds and a who’s who of elected officials behind him. However, ultimately this didn’t matter. Yamada had the dedication of union members and working class families.

In early March, the Sacramento Central Labor Council conducted a survey of voters in the 8^th Assembly District. The survey concluded that not only did Mariko’s message resonate with voters, but also that Yamada could win. A second poll was conducted about a month later indicating what needed to be done to secure a victory.

The California Teachers Association, California School Employees Association, SEIU, and others formed Working Families for Progressive Leadership, an independent expenditure campaign in support of Yamada. The organization of the campaign was phenomenal. For five weeks, union volunteers and staff worked tirelessly making calls, knocking on doors, and putting up support signs. A special thanks to those unions who adopted days or had staff assigned to the campaign – SEIU Local 1000, SEIU-UHW, CWA, UFCW 8, Firefighters Local 522, IBEW Local 340, NALC Local 133, SMWIA Local 162 and LCLAA.

Yamada’s victory on Election Day will empower us with a labor friendly democrat in the 8^th Assembly District. Labor’s involvement in her election will also send a clear message to all elected office holders and others who wish to seek elected office: You must stand with labor!