A prominent California labor union recently played a key role in the ousting of Democratic Senator Josh Newman from Fullerton, a move that has sparked heated debate over the influence of organized labor in state politics. The union’s decision to actively support his challenger, Republican Steven Choi, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as it underscores the growing power and reach of labor unions in California, even in races involving candidates with anti-labor track records. This story offers insight into the intersection of California labor union power, political maneuvering, and the future of California’s political landscape.
The California Labor Union’s Strategy to Take Down a Democrat
The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299, which represents service workers across University of California campuses, spent more than $1 million to ensure Newman’s defeat. The California labor union targeted Newman after he refused to back a key piece of labor legislation that would have enshrined basic labor rights for all UC employees. The bill, supported by AFSCME, ultimately failed, but the union’s decision to wage a full-scale campaign against Newman was a direct result of his stance on the bill.
AFSCME Local 3299 ran ads linking Newman to rising gas prices and crime in the state, and supported candidates who opposed him. Though the union didn’t explicitly endorse Choi, its campaign effectively helped tip the scales in a tightly contested primary, allowing Choi to secure the victory by less than 2% of the vote, or about 6,000 votes.
The Role of Labor Unions in California Politics
California’s political dominance by the Democratic Party has reached historic levels, with the party holding a supermajority in both legislative chambers. This supermajority has allowed Democrats to push forward progressive policies, including labor-backed measures that strengthen the power of unions. However, as the recent election results show, even Democrats with strong labor credentials are not immune to the wrath of unions when they fall out of favor.
AFSCME’s actions in this race highlight the powerful influence of labor unions in California politics. Unions, particularly in the public sector, have long been a dominant force in the state, wielding significant financial and political clout. The decision to target a pro-labor Democrat sends a clear message: Crossing unions on key issues comes with consequences, even if it means helping elect a candidate with a history of opposing organized labor.
The Political Power of California Labor Unions
California’s unions have long been key players in shaping state policy, particularly in the areas of labor rights, worker protections, and progressive legislation. As the state’s economy has grown and diversified, so too has the political influence of organized labor. Unions in California are known to spend large sums in elections to support candidates who are pro-labor, reinforcing their role as a powerful political force.
The Rise of Republican Steven Choi
Steven Choi, a conservative Republican from Irvine, is no stranger to controversy when it comes to labor issues. As a former member of the state Assembly, Choi earned a dismal 6% score on the California Federation of Labor’s legislative scorecard in 2022, reflecting his opposition to bills supporting workers’ rights. He voted against key legislation aimed at protecting fast-food workers, supporting striking workers’ health benefits, and safeguarding farmworkers’ rights to unionize.
Despite his anti-union stance, Choi managed to secure the victory in this highly charged race. He credits his win to his broader appeal, but he is quick to dismiss any credit for the union’s involvement in his campaign. Choi has expressed concerns over the growing power of large unions, such as the California Teachers Association, which regularly donates millions of dollars to Democratic candidates and plays a significant role in shaping worker-related policies in the state.
Choi’s Opposition to Union Influence
Choi has also suggested he may introduce legislation that would restrict unions from financially supporting political candidates, arguing that such practices “take hostage” politicians who are unable to vote their conscience due to union pressure. Choi’s plan to curb union influence could have significant repercussions in the coming years, particularly as labor unions remain a dominant force in California’s political scene.
The Fallout for AFSCME Local 3299
While Choi may not give the union credit for his win, the broader implications of AFSCME Local 3299’s actions are significant. Senator Newman, who received an 87% score from the California Federation of Labor in 2022 for his pro-labor votes, expressed disbelief at the union’s decision to support his opponent. Newman believes that the union’s actions were motivated by a desire to send a strong message to other legislators: Oppose unions at your peril.
Newman’s loss has raised questions within labor circles about the role of unions in electoral politics and the consequences of such aggressive tactics. Some labor leaders have expressed concerns that the union may have overstepped by helping elect a Republican who has historically opposed organized labor. These concerns are amplified by the fact that Choi’s legislative track record shows little inclination to support union-backed policies.
The High Stakes of Union Backing
AFSCME’s strategy underscores the risks involved when unions become actively involved in political campaigns. While unions have the resources to influence elections, their actions can sometimes backfire, especially if they help elect candidates who are fundamentally opposed to the union’s goals. The fallout from this election will likely shape how unions approach future political battles in California.
The Larger Context of Labor Politics in California
AFSCME Local 3299’s actions are part of a broader trend of unions playing an increasingly visible and aggressive role in California elections. In 2024, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the California Teachers Association each spent more than $1 million in independent expenditures to support various Democratic candidates, highlighting the continued significance of union backing in key races.
However, labor unions also face increasing challenges as Republicans like Choi gain ground, particularly in districts where unions’ influence is seen as overbearing or unfair. Choi’s rise reflects a growing dissatisfaction among some voters with what they perceive as the outsized power of unions in shaping California’s political landscape.
Union Spending and Political Influence
Unions are major spenders in California elections, with millions of dollars directed to supporting candidates who align with their agenda. However, as the political climate shifts, unions may find that their financial influence is being countered by a growing number of voters who are concerned about the concentration of union power and its impact on local and state politics.
The Future of California Politics
The outcome of the race between Newman and Choi serves as a reminder of the ever-changing dynamics in California politics. While Democrats maintain a supermajority in the Legislature, the rise of Republicans like Choi signals a shift in the balance of power, driven in part by the growing frustration over union influence.
For labor unions, the challenge moving forward will be to balance their political power with the need to maintain support among voters who may view their tactics as heavy-handed or self-serving. The consequences of targeting a pro-labor Democrat may prove to be a double-edged sword if it leads to the election of candidates who are less sympathetic to labor causes.
Navigating Political Influence and Public Perception
As labor unions continue to play a central role in California politics, they must navigate the growing tensions between their influence and public perception. The challenge for unions is finding ways to maintain their political power while also ensuring that their actions do not alienate voters who view their methods as overly aggressive or detrimental to broader public interests.
The Message to California Legislators
As the dust settles from the race between Newman and Choi, one thing is clear: Labor unions are not afraid to flex their muscles in California politics. By helping to elect a Republican who has consistently voted against labor-friendly legislation, AFSCME Local 3299 has sent a powerful message to other legislators: Cross unions at your own risk.
While the immediate impact on California’s Legislature may be minimal, the long-term ramifications of this battle over union power remain to be seen. Will other unions follow AFSCME’s lead in punishing Democrats who don’t toe the line on labor issues? Or will the growing power of conservative Republicans provide a counterbalance to the influence of unions in future elections? Only time will tell.
Conclusion
The 2024 California Senate race between Josh Newman and Steven Choi has become a landmark event in the state’s political history. It underscores the immense power of labor unions in California and their ability to shape the political landscape by deciding who holds office. At the same time, it highlights the tensions within the Democratic Party over the role of unions in policymaking. As California continues to navigate these complex dynamics, it is clear that California labor union will remain a formidable force in the state’s politics, for better or worse.
