Harrisburg — The SEIU PA State Council congratulates endorsed worker champions for their sweeping, game-changing victories across the commonwealth.
Yesterday, SEIU-backed candidates came out on top in marquee races for Allegheny County Executive, a special election to hold the PA House Majority, and judicial primaries that will set the stage for critical court elections in November.
Sara Innamorato Wins Allegheny County Executive Nod
Combined, SEIU PA locals were the largest contributors to Sara’s effort. SEIU members were the core of Sara’s door knocking team — serving as both volunteers and staff. The State Council supported Sara with an in-kind digital campaign centering Sara’s pro-union bonafides.
“When we fight, we win — and that’s exactly what happened with Sara’s impressive victory,” said Steve Catenese, President of SEIU Local 668. “The Allegheny County Executive holds tremendous power to improve the lives of working families and to fight for the expansion of union rights. Sara put that all out on the table, and voters in Allegheny County responded in kind.”
Heather Boyd Wins PA HD 163
SEIU endorsed and backed Heather Boyd notched a decisive victory in the HD 163 special election, securing the pro-worker House majority. SEIU was a major contributor to Heather’s race.
Matt Yarnell, President of SEIU Healthcare PA, speaking outside the state capitol.
“Over the course of the last eight years, SEIU has played a significant role in flipping the House majority. We are proud to have helped keep it in pro-worker hands with a champion like Heather Boyd,” said Matthew Yarnell, President of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania and Secretary-Treasurer of the SEIU PA State Council. “Our essential workers can continue our fight to enact the Patient Safety Act to improve staffing at our hospitals, pass a state budget that fully funds and invests in our state workers and public health department, and expands funding for K-12 education and early learning.”
SEIU Backed Judicial Candidates Get the Nod
SEIU endorsed Dan McCaffrey received the nomination for Supreme Court, while SEIU endorsed champions Timika Lane and Jill Beck were victorious in their efforts for Superior Court.
“Over the last eight years, the Supreme and appellate courts have ruled on everything from making sure that homecare workers have the right to organize, to the drawing of fair legislative and congressional districts and protecting every Pennsylvanian’s right to vote, to protecting paid sick leave laws, to ensuring that the state meets its constitutional requirements to make sure each child has access to a fairly funded education,” said David Melman, Manager of the Joint Board of Workers United. “We need strong courts that will stand strong for union members and working families.”
Note — this release covers races where the SEIU State Council endorsed, and not endorsements by individual SEIU Locals affiliated with the Council.
For Immediate Release: May 17, 2023