Longtime Allies Win Council Endorsement

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Longtime political representatives and new candidates alike have received the Metro Council’s endorsement in this year’s elections. Newcomers Tom Hucker and Shirley Thompson got the Council’s nod, along with Congressional representatives Al Wynn (D, MD 4), Steny Hoyer (D, MD 5), Chris Van Hollen (D. MD 8) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D, DC). Hucker and Thompson are running in Maryland Legislative Districts 20 and 25; also receiving early endorsements were Sheila Hixson and Gareth Murray in the 20th LD. “It’s critical to let our labor friends in Congress know that they have our support early in this election cycle and we’re especially fortunate this year to have such great labor advocates running in Maryland State Legislative Districts 20 and 25.” Williams went on to say, “Tom Hucker led the successful fight for Living Wages in Montgomery and Prince George’s County and has led the statewide effort to close corporate tax loopholes, increase the minimum wage and passing the ‘Fair Share’ Health Care bill.” Williams also noted that Delegate Sheila Hixson has been instrumental in passing many pro-labor bills in her role as chair of the House Ways & Means Committee and Delegate Gareth Murray, one of the first two African-American legislators from Montgomery County, “has been one of the most effective freshman legislators, sponsoring five successful bills in his first year.” Added Williams, “Shirley Thompson will be a great addition to the legislature, with a long history of fighting for working people as Vice President of Communications Workers of American Local 2108 and working hard to elect legislators who support the working families agenda."