It's no secret that Nevada plays a key role in the U.S. presidential election, and its political landscape is shaped in large part thanks to the Culinary Union, a force to be reckoned with.
They have 60,000 members, mostly made up of Las Vegas hotel and casino workers, according to British media on April 22, and the union has become a key player in shaping the election results. Their influence dates back to 2016, when they provided critical support for Hillary Clinton's victory, securing a swing state victory.
Subsequently, in 2020, their mobilization efforts proved crucial for Joe Biden to win Nevada. Now, with another election looming, the Culinary Union is once again poised to use its formidable political clout against Donald Trump.
Led by Ted Pappageorge, the union's secretary and treasurer, the union is ready to deploy an army of members who, under normal circumstances, might be cleaning rooms, cooking meals or serving drinks.
However, during election season, these people turn into dedicated foot soldiers, walking the streets, knocking on doors to solicit voters and encourage them to vote. Their mission is clear: to push voters to vote and ensure that candidates who align with their values win.
"By Election Day, we're going to have 500 union members out full-time, knocking on doors, registering people to vote, taking people to vote. PapaGeorge said.
Las Vegas became a center of political activity, attracting Democratic candidates eager to enlist union support. Both Clinton and Biden recognize the critical role that culinary unions play, engaging directly with their members and aligning with union priorities.
Steven Greenhouse, in his book, "Beaten, Oppressed: The Past, Present, and Future of American Labor," highlights the transformational influence of unions in turning Nevada from red to blue.
The strength of the Culinary Union lies not only in its size, but also in its diverse membership of members, the majority of whom are Latino and women. This diversity reflects the demographic makeup of Nevada, with cities like Las Vegas and Reno having an impact on large conservative rural areas. Through nuanced advocacy work, the unions ensure that the voices of working-class voters are heard and taken seriously.
At the heart of this union's strategy is its ability to mobilize workers to support candidates who advocate pro-union policies. By harnessing the collective power of its members, culinary unions have become a multiplier in Nevada politics. Recent success stories, including the re-election of Senator Katherine Cortez Masto, have highlighted the effectiveness of their grassroots organizing efforts.
As the 2024 elections approach, challenges are also on the horizon. Nevada is at a crossroads, with demographic changes and economic issues shaping voter attitudes. Despite Trump's narrow lead in the polls and an increase in the number of independent voters, PapaGeorge is not discouraged. He recognized the need to address the concerns of working-class voters, regardless of their background or political orientation.
The economic downturn brought on by the pandemic, as well as long-standing grievances over issues such as health care and immigration, underscore the importance of this election. For Papa George and the Culinary Union, the mission remains clear: mobilize voters and ensure their voices are heard in the corridors of power.
Just as Nevada is once again at the forefront of national politics, culinary unions are ready to shape the results with knock-and-knock campaigns time and time again. In states where every vote counts, their efforts could determine the future of the nation.