Lancaster, CA—SEIU Local 2015 and Mi Familia Vota came together today to celebrate the victory of George Whitesides in California’s 27th Congressional District, a win that underscores the power of mobilized long-term care workers and the importance of supporting immigrant rights and working families across the state.
George Whitesides’s election represents a crucial milestone for members of SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care union representing over half a million home care and nursing home workers. Throughout the election season, SEIU Local 2015 members, in partnership with Mi Familia Vota and the broader We Decide 2024 initiative, worked to mobilize voters of color and newly naturalized citizens in key districts, ensuring they had the resources and support to make their voices heard in this pivotal election.
“SEIU 2015 members are a collective powerhouse of nearly half a million long-term care workers—and nearly half of them are immigrants,” said SEIU 2015 President Arnulfo De La Cruz. “Caregivers in the Antelope Valley—the backbone of their community—really rallied to elect George Whitesides. In him, SEIU 2015 members see a leader who values the contributions of immigrants and is committed to democracy.
At today’s celebration event, Lancaster home care provider and SEIU Local 2015 member Dina Lopez expressed her enthusiasm for Whitesides’s win, emphasizing the significance of his election for care workers and immigrant families.
SEIU Local 2015 focused on mobilizing 42,000 low-propensity immigrant voters in this election, reaching out multiple times to encourage their participation. In the 2024 General, voter turnout has significantly increased, with 10,836 ballots counted overall so far—a testament to SEIU 2015 members’ dedication to engaging their communities and supporting candidates like George Whitesides, who champion immigrant families and care workers.
“Our communities need leaders like George Whitesides who understand the value of our work as caregivers and who will stand up for workers’ rights and immigrant protections,” said Dina Lopez, a Lancaster home care provider. “This win is for everyone who believes in building a future that values care work.”
“Mi Familia Vota is deeply proud of the extensive mobilization efforts and collaboration done alongside SEIU Local 2015 and the We Decide 2024 initiative. Together we built a stronger base of civic engagement across California, empowered our communities, and uplifted the voices of our immigrant brothers and sisters.” Said Tim Hernandez, National Field Director for Mi Familia Vota “George Whitesides’s victory reflects the collective power of our efforts and has renewed hope for a future where our communities and immigrant rights are protected.”
Throughout the campaign, SEIU Local 2015 hosted voter education sessions, phone banks, and community outreach events to educate voters on the importance of electing leaders who will stand up for essential workers and immigrant rights. Members learned about the voting process, reviewed candidates’ positions on key issues, and made a commitment to vote early.
This election outcome is part of the broader We Decide 2024 initiative, which includes SEIU, iAmerica, Mi Familia Vota, Votar Es Poder, SEIU 2015, and SEIU locals across the country. Together, these organizations have mobilized voters in key districts to ensure that every voice is heard in the 2024 election, which will shape the future of our country for years to come.
With Whitesides in Congress, SEIU Local 2015 and its allies look forward to advancing policies that strengthen protections for caregivers, address immigration reform, and uplift California’s essential workforce and their communities.