Our Voice, Our Votes, Our Victories

SEIU 721 Members Won Powerful June 3 Primary-Election Victories Across Southern California

Mark Ridley-Thomas Scores Primary Victory in Key L.A. Supervisor Race

State Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas won 45% of the vote in a hotly contested race to be the next L.A. County Supervisor.

Because of our hard work, people know who Mark Ridley-Thomas is and what he stands for: openness and accountability to the community, a strong voice for working people and our members, and quality public services for L.A. County.

Hundreds of thousands of voters across Los Angeles heard our message of hope. Because of us, Mark Ridley-Thomas is now the clear choice for change in the 2nd District.

He will appear on the November ballot, alongside Sen. Barack Obama for President, where he is in a strong position to win.

Manuel Perez Takes Coachella Assembly Primary

Manuel Perez, a longtime Coachella resident and educator, won the Democratic nomination for 80th Assembly District to represent the cities of Coachella, Indio, Cathedral City, and many other communities throughout the Coachella Valley.

Manuel received support from SEIU Local 721, other SEIU locals, and unions that represent thousands of hard working people in the health care, education, construction, and industrial fields.

Manuel won nearly 36% of the votes to defeat three other democratic candidates. He will face Republican Gary Jeandron in November 2008.

Supervisor Candidate Doreen Farr Tops Crowded Field in Santa Barbara

County Supervisor candidate Doreen Farr ran as a pro-worker voice for our Santa Barbara members. Our hard work moved her from a crowded field to the top vote-getter with 36% and a November run-off election.

Ventura County Supervisors 'Walk a Day in Our Shoes'

Members told incumbent Supervisors: "you want our endorsement, walk-a-day in our shoes."  They did and we were successful in electing Supervisors Steve Bennett and Kathy Long outright on Election Day. County Supervisor John Flynn is leading his race with 48% of the vote with ballots still to be counted. If he doesn’t climb above 50%, we’ll be helping him win in November.

Measure P Brings Safety to South Gate
Voters gave the City of South Gate a public safety boost. Measure P will ensure funding for city services our members provide in the face of a massive state budget deficit. Members stood united to pass a 1-cent sales tax increase with 74% of the vote.

Full List of Member-Endorsed Candidates

Other SEIU-member endorsed candidates for state Senate and Assembly won their Southern California primary challenges:

Senate Races
SD 19: Hannah Beth-Jackson (endorsed)

Assembly Races
AD 37: Ferial Masry (endorsed)
AD 40: Bob Blumenfield (endorsed)
AD 46: John Perez (endorsed)
AD 52: Isadore Hall (endorsed)
AD 54: Bonnie Lowenthal (endorsed)
AD 61: Norma Torres (endorsed)
AD 80: Manuel Perez (endorsed)

LA County:
BOS District 2 – Mark Ridley-Thomas (endorsed) -- top vote getter with 45% of the vote will face November runoff against Bernard Parks
District Attorney – Steve Cooley (endorsed)
South Gate: Measure P (74% Yes to 26% No)

Santa Barbara County:
BOS District 3 – Doreen Farr (endorsed) -- top vote getter with 36% will face November runoff against Steve Pappas

Riverside County:
BOS District 1 – Bob Buster (endorsed)

Ventura County:
BOS District 1 – Steve Bennett (endorsed)
BOS District 3 – Kathy Long (endorsed)
BOS District 5 – John Flynn (endorsed) -- top vote getter with 48% may face November runoff against John Zaragoza.

For information about all state and local races please visit the following websites:

State
vote.sos.ca.gov/

Los Angeles County
www.lavote.net

Orange County
www.ocvote.com/live/pri0608/results.htm

Riverside County
www.election.co.riverside.ca.us/eresults/47/Election%20Result.htm

Santa Barbara County
sbcvote.com/elect/resources/results06_2008/results-1.htm

Ventura County
recorder.countyofventura.org/Election%20Result.htm