Caballero wins California laborers’ endorsement in treasurer race

By AI, Created 9:45 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – California State Sen. Anna Caballero has picked up the California State Council of Laborers’ backing in her campaign for state treasurer, adding a major labor endorsement in the May 2026 race. The union says Caballero’s record on jobs and infrastructure makes her the strongest choice as she seeks to become California’s first Latina elected to statewide office.

Why it matters: - The California State Council of Laborers represents more than 75,000 workers across California. - The endorsement gives Anna Caballero another labor-backed boost in a statewide race where union support can help with turnout, credibility and organizing. - Caballero would become the first Latina elected to statewide office in California if elected treasurer.

What happened: - California State Senator and state treasurer candidate Anna Caballero announced an endorsement from the California State Council of Laborers on May 8, 2026. - Joseph Cruz, executive director of the California State Council of Laborers, said the union is backing Caballero because of her record on good-paying union jobs, stronger infrastructure and opportunities for working families. - Caballero said she will keep fighting for fair wages, safer jobs and real opportunity if elected treasurer.

The details: - Caballero has more than 30 years in public service. - Her background includes service as mayor of Salinas, a cabinet member for Gov. Jerry Brown, a state assemblymember and a state senator. - Caballero was the first woman elected mayor of Salinas. - Caballero was also the first Latina to represent her Assembly and Senate districts. - Caballero said she was born into a family of copper miners and learned early the value of hard work and making every dollar count. - In December, Caballero released internal statewide survey results that she said showed the treasurer race is wide open and that she moves into the lead among Democratic candidates after voters learn more about her background, record and vision. - Caballero’s campaign says it already has endorsements from Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, the California Latino Legislative Caucus, Latinas Lead California, California Conference of Carpenters, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, California State Association of Electrical Workers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, Pipeliners and HVACR Technicians UA Local 246, the California Democratic Legislative Women’s Caucus, and other labor, legislative and local leaders.

Between the lines: - The labor endorsement reinforces Caballero’s pitch that her campaign is built around workers, infrastructure and public-service experience. - The race appears to be shaping up as an early test of name recognition and coalition strength, with Caballero leaning on labor and Democratic establishment support. - The internal survey claim is a campaign message, not independently verified polling.

What’s next: - Caballero will continue building support among labor groups, Democratic organizations and local leaders ahead of the treasurer race. - The campaign is likely to keep highlighting Caballero’s record and identity as it competes for voters learning about the field. - If Caballero wins, she would make history as California’s first Latina statewide officeholder.