As you read this, your legislators are hard at work at the state capitol. Have you ever thought about running for public office and joining them there? Have people in your union or community told you that you should? If so, this year is the perfect time to run for office so you can join them at the Capitol in 2027!

Now more than ever, it is clear that the courts and the political establishment will not fight for the rights and interests of working people - we must take up that task ourselves. Our concerns will only be on the agenda of government if we are the ones setting that agenda - whether it's on our school boards, port commissions, city councils, or legislatures.

The first step in building your campaign for office is preparing for the Washington State Labor Council’s Path to Power program! Path to Power offers union members a three-day intensive training in the basics of running for office, including fundraising, communications, public speaking, and voter outreach. It is also a great opportunity to network and learn from other union leaders, elected officials, and campaign experts.

We here at the Thurston - Lewis - Mason Central Labor Council look forward to seeing a strong contingent from Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties at this year's Path to Power! The program is tentatively scheduled for the last week of March, so now is the time to prepare - talk to your Local’s Political Action Committee to start exploring YOUR run for office in 2026 - and if you know someone else who has thought of running in the past, encourage them to do the same! Not sure who to talk to? Contact PAC Chair Ryan Schmautz and we’ll see if we can’t put you in touch with the right people at your Local.

We’ll share details and Path To Power application information as soon as it becomes available, but start having those conversations now.