Pittsburgh – 32BJ SEIU members are victorious in Pittsburgh’s primary election on Tuesday. After knocking on thousands of doors across the city for endorsed candidates and District 1 newcomer for City Council, Bobby Wilson, members are celebrating his historic upset of 13-year incumbent, Councilwoman Darlene Harris. This was Wilson’s third attempt for the seat. In 2015, he fell short by only 600 votes.
“The North Side is desperately in need of change. I knocked on doors because I truly believe Bobby Wilson is the change we need. Roads have been in disrepair for years. People who are longtime Pittsburghers are fighting to stay in their homes. Children have no place to go after school. While parts of the North Side see growth, Bobby will make sure the entire North Side prospers. I am happy to have been a part of the renaissance that helped get him elected,” said Nekia Burton, a 32BJ member and commercial office cleaner.
32BJ members have seen the political momentum increasing for progressive candidates who are bringing change in the elections of Congressman Conor Lamb, State Senator Lindsey Williams and most recently, State Senator Pam Iovino. 32BJ members played crucial roles in helping all those candidates win major political seats.
“Working people need leaders that are going to work for them. Lip service doesn’t cut it. People need good union jobs. They need healthcare. They need affordable housing. The way they achieve that is by supporting the candidates that go to bat for them. We are triumphant tonight, but energized to hit the streets tomorrow to make sure all of our 32BJ candidates win in November,” said Sam Williamson, 32BJ SEIU Western Pennsylvania District Leader.
Below is a complete list of 32BJ-endorsed candidates for city and county races.
County Executive Rich Fitzgerald
County Controlled Chelsea Wagner
City Controller Michael Lamb
Council District 1 Bobby Wilson
Council District 3 Council President Bruce Kraus
Council District 5 Councilman Corey O’Connor
Council District 7 Councilwoman Deborah Gross
Council District 9 Reverend Ricky Burgess
###
With 175,000 members in eleven states and Washington, D.C., including 22,000 in Pennsylvania, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.