SACRAMENTO, CA — The Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers, representing tens of thousands of skilled tradespeople across California’s construction and manufacturing sectors, announced its official endorsement of former Congresswoman Katie Porter for Governor of California on September 23, 2025. The union highlighted Porter’s consistent advocacy for working families and her record of supporting infrastructure, housing, and clean energy investments.
Rick Werner, President of the Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers, said,
"Katie Porter is the kind of leader California's blue-collar workers have been waiting for. Time and again, she's sought out labor's voice when she was in Congress and made sure our concerns were part of the conversation."
The endorsement adds momentum to Porter’s campaign, as she leads a growing list of labor unions and community organizations that view her as the frontrunner in the gubernatorial race.
Fernando Ochoa, Political Director of the council, added,
"Katie has proven she isn't afraid to take on the status quo. California workers deserve a Governor who will challenge special interests, fight for fairness, and ensure that the state's major investments benefit the very people who build California—its union workforce. We are ready to mobilize and do everything possible to help her win."
Vince Sugrue, State Legislative Director, praised Porter’s record in Washington, D.C.:
"Katie Porter has always been a fighter for working families. In Congress, she consistently sought input from labor and worked to ensure workers' voices were heard on legislation impacting jobs, healthcare, and retirement security. We know that as Governor, she will continue to put working people first and ensure that California leads the nation in creating good-paying, union careers."
During her congressional tenure, Porter championed labor-friendly policies and has pledged to extend that advocacy to Sacramento. Her platform includes reducing the cost of living and creating family-sustaining jobs through investments in infrastructure, housing, and clean energy.
Porter responded to the endorsement, saying,
"I'm grateful for the support of the Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers and their members all across California. Hardworking union labor is the backbone of our state's economy, and we have to make sure that workers and their families can afford to live and thrive in California for years to come. As Governor, I'll tackle our cost crisis head-on by lowering the cost of housing, child care, groceries, and health care—making it easier for Californians to get by."
The council’s endorsement underscores the pivotal role of union labor in California politics, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors, which provide tens of thousands of jobs across the state. Porter’s campaign emphasizes building a strong workforce, promoting equitable investment, and ensuring that California’s growth benefits working families directly.
With this endorsement, Porter gains critical support from one of the state’s largest labor organizations, signaling that her campaign may continue to consolidate backing from unions and community stakeholders in the lead-up to the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Originally reported by Western State Counsil of SMART in Yahoo Finance.
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