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What the SEIU endorsement of Swalwell reveals about California politics

One of the most powerful unions in California politics just made its move in the governor’s race, and it tells you a lot about how the state’s political machine works.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), one of the most powerful unions in California politics, endorsed Democrat Eric Swalwell for governor last week. 

It’s an endorsement that tells you a lot about how the state’s political machine works.

For a candidate looking to build momentum in a crowded Democratic field, the endorsement is a significant boost.

The SEIU is not just another political group offering a polite nod of support. It represents hundreds of thousands of government and health-care workers, and pours enormous sums into California elections every cycle.

When the SEIU endorses a candidate, it brings money, volunteers, field operations, and credibility inside Democratic politics. 

That makes the endorsement a clear win for Swalwell.

The timing is useful for his campaign. Rival Tom Steyer has been raising questions about whether Swalwell resides in California. The issue has been investigated in reporting here at The California Post. 

Landing the backing of a major union like SEIU helps Swalwell change the conversation and signal strength inside the Democratic coalition.

Organized labor has been split in the governor’s race. Several unions have lined up behind different candidates. Steyer, for example, has secured endorsements from the California Nurses Association and the California School Employees Association.

Swalwell had already picked up support from the........

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