By Adam Pagnucco.
SEIU Local 500, perhaps the fastest-growing large union in Maryland, has endorsed Senate candidate Dana Beyer and House candidates Emily Shetty and Mila Johns in District 18 and House candidate Gabe Acevero in District 39. But the bigger news is their warning to state-level incumbents: we will not endorse any of you until after the legislative session. It’s a ballsy move designed to maximize their leverage over significant bills. Incumbents beware!
We reprint Local 500’s press release below.
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For Immediate Release
January 26, 2018
Contact: Christopher Honey
honeyc@seiu500.org
SEIU Local 500 endorses Dana Beyer for Maryland State Senate District 18
Union makes multiple endorsements in open seats, but is not yet making endorsements in legislative seats where incumbents are running for re-election
(Gaithersburg, MD) SEIU Local 500, the largest Union local in Montgomery County today announced it was throwing its weight behind Dana Beyer for the Maryland Senate in District 18.
“In this era of Donald Trump and Larry Hogan, our members know we need a fighter to go to Annapolis and join the resistance. Our members know Dana and know that she will do just that” said Merle Cuttitta, President of SEIU Local 500. “This endorsement takes nothing from our stalwart ally, Delegate Jeff Waldstreicher. Elections in Montgomery County are often about tough choices between good friends.”
In addition, SEIU 500 made the following additional endorsements for seats that are left open by members not seeking reelection:
- District 18: Mila Johns and Emily Shetty (House of Delegates)
- District 39: Gabriel Acevero (House of Delegates)
SEIU Local 500 is not endorsing ANY incumbents running for re-election to their current offices until after the end of the legislative session.
“We are endorsing open seats early to give our political team and members more time to work with our endorsed newcomers to make sure they win” said President Cuttitta. “As in the District 18 Senate race, the caliber of candidates we interviewed was higher than ever. We had to leave some great candidates on the table – from Jared Solomon in the District 18 Delegate race, to Lesley Lopez in the District 39 Delegate race.”