California Union Watch 2022 Quarter 1 Review
The California Union Watch Twitter account (@CalUnionWatch) has been tracking government union contributions over the first quarter of this year (January 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022). Here are the five biggest union contributors from this year so far. We will be only focusing on state-level elections.
5. California Professional Firefighters
The California Professional Firefighters has contributed to thirty-three groups this quarter for a total of $200,323. The California Professional Firefighters union represents 30,000 firefighters in California. Their biggest donation recipient this quarter was the California Democratic Party for $104,823.
4. CAL FIRE Local 2881
CAL FIRE Local 2881 has contributed to five campaigns this quarter for a total of $217,800. This union represents California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection employees. Their biggest recipient this quarter was to the “California Democratic Party” which received $170,000. They have also contributed to assembly and state senate races.
3. Service Employees International Union Local 721
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721 has contributed to twenty-two campaigns this quarter for a total of $350,200. SEIU Local 721 union is the largest public sector union in Southern California, representing 95,000 workers. Their biggest donation recipient this quarter was the “California Democratic Party” which received $125,000. SEIU has also contributed to the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, Eleni Kounalakis’s relection for lieutenant governor, as well as many state Assembly and state Senate races.
2. California Faculty Association
California Faculty Association has contributed to 24 groups this quarter for a total of $398,500. California Faculty Association is the exclusive collective bargaining representative for California State University faculty, representing 95,000 workers. Their biggest donation recipient this quarter was the “California Democratic Party” which received $175,000. CFA has also contributed to Governor Newsom’s reelection campaign as well as many other state campaigns.
1. California Teachers Association
California Teachers Association has contributed to 23 campaigns this quarter for a total of $463,250. California Teachers Association represents 325,000 public school teachers. CTA’s biggest donation recipient this quarter was the “California Democratic Party” which received $185,000. Other contributions include Shirley Weber, Tony Thurmond, and Fiona Ma’s reelection bids for their respective positions, as well as other state assembly and senate elections.
You can follow the California Union Watch Twitter account HERE at @CalUnionWatch to get updated on government union money in California politics.
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Brandon Ristoff is a policy analyst at the California Policy Center.
Updated: April 7