Rare early endorsement is a powerful validator of Constantine’s commitment to workers, equity, and progressive results
SEATTLE – This week, members of MLK Labor, AFL-CIO, voted overwhelmingly to endorse King County Executive Dow Constantine’s campaign for re-election. Representing more than 100,000 King County workers through over 150 member unions, MLK Labor’s early endorsement is the latest signal of the strength of Constantine’s campaign and a significant validator of his support for working families in the region.
“This endorsement is proof positive that our worker-centered, forward-thinking approach is the right one for King County,” said Constantine. “My administration’s true north is to build a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We know a healthy future requires access to good wages, safe workplaces, worker protections, and the opportunity to learn and grow. I’m grateful for this support and excited to continue working together with MLK Labor on the challenges of this moment and the opportunities ahead – supporting essential workers and working families, safely exiting the COVID-19 pandemic, restoring our economy while making it fairer and more equitable, challenging systemic racism, and creating a flourishing King County for our children and grandchildren.”
A longtime partner with MLK Labor, Constantine has advanced critical shared priorities throughout his tenure to grow jobs and apprenticeships, further equity efforts including local and priority hire, expand Sound Transit and Metro service, develop affordable housing and invest in services to prevent homelessness, and promote progressive tax reform.
“MLK is proud to endorse Dow Constantine in his re-election to King County Executive,” said MLK Labor Executive Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Grant. “Executive Constantine is a proven ally of King County’s workers and has consistently opened his doors to the labor community. With Dow, we know that Washington’s largest county will be a partner in creating family-wage union jobs and ensuring the highest labor standards. Labor looks forward to re-electing Executive Dow Constantine.”
As one of just two candidates endorsed by MLK Labor at their February meeting, the labor council’s support for Constantine demonstrates broad excitement for his re-election effort from King County workers, the labor community, and progressive circles. Constantine’s re-election campaign has begun with a string of high profile endorsements from progressive figures and organizations, including Governor Jay Inslee, more than three dozen Democratic legislators, and SEIU Locals 6, 775, 925, and 1199NW.