FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 07, 2026
October 07, 2026
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-374-6491
[email protected]
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses 2 Additional California Candidates for Election to Congress
Categories:
Congress, Election 2026, House
AFGE says endorsed candidates will support federal workers and their rights
LAKEWOOD, Calif. –– The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of two additional candidates for election to the U.S. House representing California in the 2026 elections. The general election is Nov. 3.
The newly endorsed candidates are Randy Villegas for election to the U.S. House representing California’s 22nd Congressional District and Connie Chan for election to the U.S. House representing California’s 11th Congressional District.
“AFGE has done our research, and we are happy to join with the other unions in California to support Randy and Connie in their campaigns for Congress. They have demonstrated that they understand and support the amazing work of federal employees and will provide AFGE members with the tools they need to do their jobs,” AFGE District 12 National Vice President Mario Campos said.
Randy Villegas is running to fight for working families, protect our democracy, and bring accountable, people-first leadership to Washington. He’s challenging Republican David Valadao, who has consistently sided with corporate interests over the needs of our communities.
Villegas’ campaign is rooted in the belief that everyone – no matter their ZIP code, Social Security number, or background – deserves a fair shot.
Connie Chan currently represents District 1 on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, which includes the Inner Richmond, Central Richmond, Outer Richmond, Lone Mountain, Golden Gate Park, Lincoln Park, University of San Francisco, Sea Cliff, and Presidio Terrace neighborhoods. First elected in 2020, Connie has served as chair of the board’s budget committee since February 2023 and also serves as a member of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, the San Francisco Local Agency Formation Commission, and the Free City College Oversight Committee.
As supervisor, recognizing the looming threat of federal cuts, Chan proactively created a $400 million revenue risk reserve fund in the 2025-2026 budget to ensure funding would be available for healthcare, food security, housing, and other services at risk of being cut. She understands the valuable role that smart public policy and good public servants can play in the lives of everyday Americans.
AFGE previously endorsed 39 current members of Congress for reelection to their seats representing California ahead of the statewide primary and recently endorsed five additional candidates for election to the U.S. House representing California in the 2026 elections.
More than 255,000 federal employees live in California – caring for veterans, supporting the military, ensuring the safety of our food and air, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE represents nearly 82,000 federal employees in District 12, which includes Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada.
Written by OPEIU 2 AFL-CIO
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