Sacramento Labor Council launches campaign kickoff for November

By Sheri Williams

The Sacramento Central Labor Council is ramping up its ground game for the 2026 midterms, announcing that members will walk precincts every weekend between now and Election Day, talking directly with voters about why pro-worker candidates matter up and down the ballot.

The effort officially got underway with a campaign kickoff and canvass launch on Saturday, September 19.

Dr. Richard Pan, the labor-endorsed candidate for California’s 6th Congressional District, and Labor Council Executive Director Fabrizio Sasso both urged supporters to turn out and start knocking doors.

“This election is really important if we want to take back Congress and restore it for working people in this country,” Sasso said, encouraging allies and union members to join that first day of canvassing. “When voters hear from working people, it makes a difference. That’s why it’s so critical our members turn out to knock on doors and volunteer at phone banks, because people talking to neighbors, families and friends are what wins elections.”

Pan also spoke at the kickoff, outlining his history as a fighter for working people in Sacramento, and the stakes of the next election.

“I’ve devoted my career to taking care of families in this community, and I know that real change starts with listening to people. This election is critical. If we want a Congress and a federal government that works for working people, it starts by talking to our neighbors one door at a time,” he said.

Sasso said the stakes go well beyond any single race. Nationally, control of Congress hangs in the balance. Locally, the outcome will determine whether the region’s city councils, school boards and county offices are led by people who prioritize the needs of working families.

While walks and phone banks will take place every week, the council is planning a major push for Saturday, October 24 in Rocklin in support of Pan. Organizers say they’re aiming for 150 people on the ground that day, knocking doors and talking to as many voters as possible as the campaign shifts into its get-out-the-vote phase heading into the November 3 election.

The ask from organizers is simple: show up, and bring people with you. Members, friends, family and coworkers are all being encouraged to join, with only one real requirement — comfortable shoes for a day of walking.

The push already has support from labor leaders outside the region. Jeff Freitas, president of the California Federation of Teachers, joined a recent walk in support of Pan and other labor-endorsed candidates, and said the work ahead is squarely focused on Election Day.

“My priorities right now are focused on Nov. 3,” Freitas said. “Today we walked for pro-labor candidates like Dr. Pan for CD6, who will help take back Congress from Trump’s MAGA control.”

Freitas said volunteers also used the day to talk with voters about Proposition 3, the statewide measure that would continue billions of dollars in funding for K-14 public education. “We also talked to voters about Yes on Prop 3, that will continue to fund billions for public education,” Freitas said. “Democracy defenders were out today. Thank you, CFT members and labor activists.”

With five weeks left before the election, the Labor Council says the weekend walks will continue without interruption, building toward the final GOTV push in late October and early November.