Teamsters Endorse Dave Jones

In a significant development for the 2022 race to represent California's 6th State Senate District, Teamsters Joint Council No. 7 has officially endorsed Dave Jones. The announcement, made today in Sacramento, underscores Jones's longstanding commitment to working families and his record of standing up to powerful corporate interests. With over 100,000 members across Northern California and the Central Valley, the Teamsters' support brings substantial organizational strength and credibility to Jones's campaign.

A Powerful Voice for Working People

The endorsement was announced by Rome Aloise, President of Teamsters Joint Council No. 7, who praised Jones's unwavering advocacy for labor rights. In his statement, Aloise highlighted Jones's consistent support for workers' ability to organize and bargain collectively for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions. He emphasized that in an era of growing corporate power, Californians need leaders who are not afraid to take on tough fights on behalf of ordinary people.

Aloise pointed to Jones's record as both a legislator and as California's Insurance Commissioner, noting his efforts to expand healthcare access, protect workers and consumers, and create economic opportunity for all. "Dave Jones is the advocate that Californians need and deserve in the State Senate," Aloise concluded, signaling the union's confidence in Jones's ability to deliver for working families in the legislature.

Dave Jones has always stood with working people and supported their rights to organize and bargain for decent wages, benefits and working conditions. In the face of huge corporations with growing wealth and power, Californians need advocates who are unafraid to take on tough fights.

Who Are the Teamsters Joint Council No. 7?

Teamsters Joint Council No. 7 is a major force in California's labor movement, representing more than 100,000 members across 23 local unions. Its jurisdiction spans 48 counties in Northern California and the Central Valley, as well as 14 counties in Northern Nevada—a territory so vast that it would rank as the 10th largest state in the country if it were a state on its own. Within this region, the council boasts 40,000 members between Bakersfield and Sacramento, making it the largest union in the Central Valley.

The Teamsters have a long history of advocating for workers in transportation, warehousing, public services, and many other industries. Their endorsement is highly sought after in political races because of their ability to mobilize members, provide grassroots support, and contribute to campaign efforts. For Dave Jones, this endorsement is a clear signal that his campaign is resonating with organized labor and that he is seen as a reliable ally for working people.

Dave Jones: A Career of Public Service

Dave Jones's career has been defined by a deep commitment to public service and social justice. He began as a legal aid attorney, providing free legal assistance to low-income individuals through Legal Services of Northern California. This early experience gave him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by vulnerable communities and shaped his lifelong dedication to fighting for fairness and equity.

In 1995, Jones was selected as a White House Fellow, an honor bestowed on only 13 Americans that year. He went on to serve three years as Special Assistant and Counsel to United States Attorney General Janet Reno, where he worked on national policy issues and gained valuable experience in government at the highest levels. These formative roles prepared him for a career in elected office, where he would consistently champion progressive causes.

A Record of Legislative Achievement

Jones's political career began at the local level, serving on the Sacramento City Council from 1999 to 2004. During his tenure, he authored groundbreaking laws that required developers to build more affordable housing, established living wage standards for workers, and recognized domestic partnerships. These measures were ahead of their time and demonstrated Jones's willingness to tackle difficult issues head-on.

In 2004, Jones was elected to the California State Assembly, representing Sacramento until 2010. In the Assembly, he chaired several key committees, including the Assembly Health Committee, the Assembly Judiciary Committee, and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. His leadership in these roles allowed him to shape policy on healthcare, civil rights, and social services. Over his six years in the Assembly, Jones authored 70 bills that were signed into law, covering areas such as consumer protection, healthcare access, affordable housing, early childhood education, environmental protection, and support for working families.

Fighting for Consumers as Insurance Commissioner

From 2011 to 2018, Dave Jones served as California's seventh Insurance Commissioner, a role in which he worked on behalf of 38 million Californians. As commissioner, he took on powerful insurance companies and fought to keep rates fair for consumers and businesses. His efforts resulted in over $3.11 billion in premium savings for Californians by regulating rates for auto, homeowners, and other property and casualty insurance.

Jones also used his position to implement healthcare reforms and protect consumers from unfair practices. His tenure as Insurance Commissioner further solidified his reputation as a tough, effective advocate who is not afraid to stand up to big corporations. This record aligns closely with the values of the Teamsters, who see Jones as a proven fighter for economic justice.

Why This Endorsement Matters

The endorsement from Teamsters Joint Council No. 7 is a significant boost for Dave Jones's campaign for the 6th State Senate District. In a competitive open-seat race, support from a major labor union can provide crucial resources, including volunteer manpower, financial contributions, and voter outreach. More importantly, it sends a message to voters that Jones is the candidate who will prioritize the needs of working people in the State Senate.

This endorsement also adds to a growing list of labor and progressive leaders backing Jones. His campaign has already received support from notable figures such as Kevin McCarty, Lorena Gonzalez, and Ted Lieu, among others. The breadth of support reflects Jones's broad appeal and his ability to build coalitions across different constituencies.

For voters in the 6th State Senate District, the choice is clear: Dave Jones is a candidate with a proven track record of fighting for working families, protecting consumers, and standing up to powerful interests. With the Teamsters behind him, Jones is well-positioned to bring his experience and values to the State Senate, where he will continue to be a champion for all Californians.