Political Director’s Report – October 2024

A Commitment to Ourselves – and Our Union

By Antonio Sanchez, Political Director

I’ve worked on dozens of campaigns and have spoken to thousands of candidates for office. Every election season, there’s always a hit of adrenalin and then, of course, exhaustion. We’re less than three weeks away from the election and I’m happy to share that we’re still riding on the election season adrenalin.

We need your activism! We have been talking to members at their doorsteps and on the phone about our endorsed congressional candidate George Whitesides. Can you help? George is running against Congressman Mike Garcia. This is the same Mike Garcia who constantly votes against our IBEW values and interests. We need members to drive to Palmdale on Oct. 26th and Nov. 2nd. Yes, it’s a drive and well worth it. And if you can’t help on a Saturday, you can help from the comfort of your home and make calls.

Both actions are about IBEW members connecting with IBEW members. We are not talking to the general public, we’re talking to IBEW members. There is power in hearing from an IBEW member and not just a campaign volunteer. Your presence can help turn a few votes and motivate a few members to vote. Mike Garcia had the upper hand during the last election by only 333 votes. There are close to 2,500 IBEW members in that congressional district. IBEW can make the difference!

At this point in the election season, most candidates are feeling the pressure and are trying to keep their cool and composure. I’ll ask you to be patient with the texts and calls you might be receiving. Campaigns are part of our democracy, and the candidates are just trying to get people to vote. And as I recently read, “Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world.” I’m going to add, it’s also a commitment to your union. Please exercise your right to vote because not too long ago, you might not have had that right.

Our endorsements are posted on our website. If you don’t live in Los Angeles County, checkout www.ibewvotes.com. There, you will have access to the list of endorsements made by other IBEW locals, possibly, where you live (not in LA County).