Massive labor coalition solidifies progressive firewall for Larson
At a press conference today at the Bristol Federation of Teachers, labor leaders announced endorsements for John Larson from major unions AFT Connecticut, AFSCME Council 4, and CSEA-SEIU Local 2001. Together, these unions represent over 80,000 Connecticut workers.
Larson’s support from labor is unparalleled in this race. Over 30 unions plus the Working Families Party have now rallied behind Congressman Larson, citing his unrelenting fight for the working families of the First District.
- John Brady, Vice President of AFT Connecticut: “We are proud to endorse John Larson for re-election. Not just because he has an excellent voting record, but because he is one of us. We can’t afford to lose a battle-tested public school teacher like John Larson who understands public service. We need him back in Congress. AFT is ready to mobilize and hit the streets to help him be re-elected.”
- Michael O’Brien, President of CSEA Retirees Council and former President of CSEA-SEIU Local 2001: “John’s unwavering support for working families has never faded, and neither has our union’s unwavering support for John. We’re going to be with him all the way. We cannot replace a true working family’s champion. The margins are too slim, and the consequences too big.”
- Rep. Edwin Vargas, former State Representative, former Vice President of AFT CT, and former President of the Hartford Federation of Teachers and Greater Hartford Labor Council: “John Larson has been a champion on all the issues we care about as working families. That’s why so many unions, so many labor leaders, so many activists, and the Working Families Party have all endorsed John Larson. Because we know who John Larson is.”
- Congressman John Larson: “This district belongs to its working families, and there is no power as strong as the unified voice of organized labor. I am deeply honored to stand with AFT, AFSCME, and CSEA, and the dozens of unions that have endorsed our campaign. What’s happening here today will resonate with everyone because of the working families they represent. With them behind me like this, I know we’re going to win.”
Larson’s endorsements far outpace any other candidate, and include leaders from every level of government and advocacy:
- Federal & State Leadership: The entire CT Congressional Delegation, U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Brendan Boyle, Rep. Lauren Underwood, Congressman Pablo José Hernández (PR), CT AG William Tong, and ten state legislators, including House Majority Leader Jason Rojas.
- Local Leaders: Mayors and First Selectmen from Colebrook, East Hartford, Manchester, Bloomfield, Middletown, South Windsor, and Windsor Locks, and DTC chairs and vice chairs across the district.
- Advocacy Giants: Planned Parenthood Action Fund, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Brady PAC, and Defend The Vote.
- Labor Power:
- AFT Connecticut
- AFSCME Council 4
- CSEA-SEIU Local 2001
- UNITE HERE! International Union
- UNITE HERE! Local 217
- UNITE HERE! Local 34
- Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA)
- International Association of Machinists (IAM)
- Connecticut State Council of Machinists
- IAM District 26
- IAM Local Lodge 1746 East Hartford
- IAM CANEL Lodge 700 Middletown
- Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
- AFGE Local 2138
- AFGE Local 1674
- AFGE Local 1164
- Alliance for Retired Americans
- CT Alliance for Retired Americans
- NAGE/IBPO Local R1-109
- International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 40
- Connecticut Building Trades
- Greater Hartford Building Trades
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
- International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)
- United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers
- International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW)
- International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC)
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)
- Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA)
- International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
- United Association – Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs (UA)
- International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers
- International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers