SACRAMENTO, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California today announced the organization’s endorsement of Ted Lieu in the 28th Senate District and Darren Parker in the 17th Senate District. SEIU’s endorsements mean the organization will engage voters to turn out in support of these February 15 special election candidates through member communications and on-the-ground voter contact.
In reviewing candidates who are vying to replace Senator Jenny Oropeza, who passed away last fall, and Senator George Runner, who was elected to Board of Equalization, SEIU’s elected leaders looked for candidates who will bring a practical approach to solving the immediate budget crisis and who have the skills necessary to bring Californians together to restore the schools, colleges, health care and infrastructure that made California great.
“With families struggling to hold onto their jobs and their homes right here in Long Beach, Torrance and our surrounding communities, we need a Senator who is ready to get serious about solving our budget crisis with a balanced approach,”
said Paul Aldape, an SEIU 721 member and public works worker who lives in Torrance.
“I will be telling my neighbors and co-workers that I’m supporting Ted Lieu because a state where libraries and parks are shuttered isn’t the California I want to leave for my kids.”
After immigrating to the U.S. as a child and going on to become an attorney who serves his country as an Air Force reservist, Ted Lieu embodies the American Dream. In three terms in the California State Assembly, Lieu distinguished himself as a strong advocate for consumers and families. Representing the 28th Senate District seat formerly held by Jenny Oropeza, Ted Lieu will continue Senator Oropeza’s long legacy of expanding economic opportunity and health care access for California families.
Loquilla Jackson, a home care worker who lives in Lancaster, said, “I’ll be working hard to elect Darren Parker because he knows getting serious about solving California’s budget problems means working together, not scapegoating low-wage workers for the problems created on Wall Street.”
“Darren will listen to all of us who want our frail grandparents and children with disabilities to live at home with dignity. Darren has the skills to bring our leaders together and together we can find a way to protect critical services like home care that save money for taxpayers.”
A small business owner and a 25-year resident of California’s High Desert, Darren Parker has earned his reputation as a leader who can work with both political parties and bring together diverse interests to improve his community. Darren has been appointed to leadership positions by both Democrats and Republicans and honored for his work to improve opportunities for young people and working families.