Reykdal gets support of labor organizations

Four locals of the Service Employees International Union have endorsed Democrat Chris Reykdal of Tumwater in the 22nd Legislative District race for retiring Rep. Brendan Williams' seat. Williams has endorsed Reykdal, but rival Democrat Stew Henderson is the official Democratic Party nominee.

Henderson won a dual endorsement of the Washington Federation of State Employees and is the Democrats’ official nominee. Henderson also has won endorsement by NARAL Pro-Choice Washington.

SEIU’s combined locals – including SEIU 775NW, 1199NW, 1948-PSE and 925 – cited Reykdal’s “commitment and record on working family issues.”

Also running for the seat are Republican Jason Hearn of Lacey; Democrat Judi Hoefling of Tumwater; Progressive Dem Steve Robinson of Olympia; Demo Party candidate Jeremy Miller of Olympia; and Prolife Democrat F.G. (Fred) Jensen of Olympia.

Reykdal has reported winning more sole endorsements than Henderson – including the Washington State Labor Council’s endorsement. Among those endorsing Reykdal are the Washington Federation of State Employees, the Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council, the American Federation of Teachers-Washington, Washington Public Employees Association Local 365, Machinists Local 751 and firefighter associations representing Thurston County, Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater.

Henderson has won endorsements of the Sierra Club, Washington Conservation Voters and Thurston Conservation Voters, and he is backed by Thurston County commissioners Sandra Romero and Karen Valenzuela and others.