The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California today announced the 700,000-member union’s endorsement of Gavin Newsom as California’s next governor. The endorsement was announced after SEIU California members from across the state participated in the union’s One Voice Town Hall, where members met with the candidates, asked their questions, and then made their selection for the candidate they’ll support now through November.

“Newsom’s commitment to stand with workers as we fight for justice and dignity made him our choice to be our partner in the Governor’s Office. Now, we’ll show what our commitment means: working hard every day from now to November to deliver a win for workers,” said Carmen Roberts, an In-Home Supportive Services worker from Los Angeles and member of SEIU Local 2015.

“SEIU California members are ready to work to see Gavin Newsom sworn in as California’s next governor,” said Roxanne Sanchez, President of SEIU California. “We believe that California can show the nation the way forward to a society that values every person and makes real progress toward economic and racial justice. Gavin Newsom will be both a visionary leader and, more important, a partner of working people in accomplishing these goals.”

“I’m honored to have earned the endorsement of the 700,000 working people of SEIU California and proud to share their vision for a strong, diverse, dynamic and just California that can only be achieved when working people have the power that comes from joining together in their unions,” said Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. “The key to accomplishing economic equity is ensuring more working people have the power and the right to organize. SEIU members are defending and advancing California’s values on the most crucial issues facing our state — health care, home care, criminal justice, early education to higher education, and respect for every person’s hard work, regardless of immigration status. Every day, these hard-working women and men are showing our state how a collective voice makes a difference and moves us closer to the society we aim for. As California’s next Governor, I will be proud to stand with SEIU members to create a California that respects workers’ voices and delivers on the promise of opportunity for all.”