Seven Democratic Candidates Face California Labor Unions in Race to Replace Governor Newsom

With Governor Gavin Newsom set to term out in 2026, seven prominent Democrats gathered in downtown Sacramento on Monday to begin laying out their visions for California's future. The candidates addressed a packed ballroom of labor union members at a statewide labor union conference.

The Democratic contenders include Tony Atkins, Javier Becerra, Eleni Konoloski, Katie Porter, Tony Thurman, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee. Each shared plans for supporting working and middle-class families while pledging strong support for labor unions.

“I will always stand with labor,” said one candidate. Another emphasized their experience working alongside different governors and legislative leaders to accomplish meaningful policy changes.

A major focus of the discussion centered on solving California’s housing crisis. The candidates voiced support for a variety of proposals including tax credits, public-private partnerships, and fast-tracked permitting processes to accelerate affordable housing construction.

“We have to expand unionized labor in building housing in California,” one candidate noted, while others stressed the importance of prevailing wages and fair labor standards during housing development projects.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa touted his record, stating, “I built more housing than the two mayors before me, 12 years and in eight.” He was quickly reminded by fellow candidates about the need to uphold labor standards.

While Monday’s event focused on Democratic hopefuls, Preston Romero of the Log Cabin Republicans of Sacramento pointed out that Republican candidates Shawn Hilton and Sheriff Chad Bianco remain actively engaged on these important labor issues.

“Many registered Republicans across California are hardworking union members, and they want to be part of these conversations,” Romero said.

Union members at the conference emphasized accountability over party affiliation. “We need them to follow through on what they say they will do. If they’re willing to do that, we’ll hold them accountable,” one union representative commented.

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