MLK Labor Makes Early Seattle Endorsements

February 20, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Charles Lapham, MLK Labor Communications Director
503-713-3032, Charles@MLKLabor.org

MLK Labor Endorses Emily Myers and Andrew Lewis for Seattle City Council

Both candidates are active union members and would bring a working-class perspective to the city council

(SEATTLE) — MLK Labor delegates, which are composed of several hundred rank-and-file union members and leaders, voted Thursday night to endorse Emily Myers in District 4 and Andrew Lewis in District 7 for the Seattle City Council.

These are the first candidate endorsements made by the labor council in 2019. MLK Labor will be considering endorsements in all districts throughout the election cycle.

The following statement was issued by MLK Labor Executive Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Grant:

“The Labor community took the rare step of issuing two early endorsements because we believe in the vision that Emily Myers and Andrew Lewis have for creating a more equitable Seattle. Emily and Andrew are both rank-and-file union members and will bring a much-needed working-class perspective to public office. The Labor community is proud to endorse Emily and Andrew and will do everything we can to support them.”

Nicole Grant on Emily Myers:

“As a working scientist at UW researching Parkinson’s disease and a rank-and-file member of her union, Emily will bring evidence-based progressive policy to the Seattle City Council. With science actively under attack from the far-right, it’s never been more important to elevate powerful voices like Emily’s. We’re proud to stand with her because she’s the best candidate for the working-class in District 4.”

Emily Myers had the following statement on the MLK Labor endorsement:

“Strong unions are crucial in the fight for better pay, healthcare, equity, and dignity for working people and the MLK Labor Council leads the way in this fight. I am honored to have the support of my labor siblings and will work relentlessly by their side to protect the wages and rights of teachers, academic employees, city employees, firefighters, and all workers in Seattle.”

Nicole Grant on Andrew Lewis:

“Labor is proud to endorse Andrew Lewis because he’ll make sure workers have a voice on the Seattle City Council. Andrew will bring his experience as a prosecutor to make sure Seattle becomes a fair and inclusive city for all.”

Andrew Lewis had the following statement on the MLK Labor endorsement:

“As a fourth generation union member I am very proud to stand in solidarity with the Martin Luther King County Labor Council. Together, we can build a strong and equitable Seattle for all!”

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MLK Labor (formerly the Martin Luther King County Labor Council) is the central body of labor organizations in King County, Washington. We are affiliated with the National AFL-CIO, the central labor organization in the United States, representing more than 13 million working people. We represent more than 150 unions and 100,000 workers. United, we are a voice for the interests and needs of working people in King County.