UE leaders helped two UE-endorsed candidates celebrate their swearing-in on Thursday, January 3. Western Region President Carl Rosen and his wife Josie Yanguas travelled to Washington, DC for the swearing-in reception of Congressman Jesús Chuy García, a longtime UE ally in Chicago who was elected in November to represent Illinois's 4th Congressional District. They were joined by retired UE Director of Organization Bob Kingsley and retired UE Political Action Director Chris Townsend. A mariachi band played continuously at this Capitol Hill reception for one of the most progressive new members of Congress.
In Western Pennsylvania, Local 610 President Antwon Gibson joined newly-elected State Representative Summer Lee at a celebration in Swissvale. Lee defeated an incumbent mainstream Democrat in a May primary, campaigning on Medicare for All single-payer healthcare, a $15 minimum wage, and other UE positions. UE was the only union to endorse Lee. Retired UE NEWS Editor Al Hart and UE Communications Director Jonathan Kissam also attended.
