The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 has withdrawn its support from every sitting Democratic legislator who voted for a 2023 casino resort-backed bill that removed pandemic-imposed provisions, particularly the requirement for daily hotel room cleaning.
Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Workers Union Secretary-Treasurer, expressed disappointment, stating, "One of the laws that came into place was the requirement for daily room cleaning, which should stay. And we asked for amendments. Our workers traveled to Carson City and met with legislators, and it fell on deaf ears."
The union has announced that it is not endorsing 18 Democratic lawmakers running in 2024, whom it had previously endorsed. Notable among them are Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager, and Assembly Majority Floor Leader Sandra Jauregui.
Notably, the union is throwing its support behind candidates running against caucus-endorsed candidates. For example, in Reno, they are backing councilwoman Naomi Duerr against caucus-endorsed assemblywoman Angie Taylor.
This marks a significant public divide between legislative Democrats and the Culinary Union, which is considered one of the most influential political groups in the state due to its widespread canvassing efforts.
"We expect Republican legislators to vote against average working-class issues, no surprise there. They are aligned with the rich, wealthy, and powerful casino interests, but we were quite surprised to see Democrats line up with Republicans and the casino industry on this issue," said Pappageorge.
Efforts to contact Nevada Senate and Assembly Democrats have been unsuccessful.
