Candidates endorsed by the Southern Regional Council of Carpenters posted strong results in recent primary elections across several states, signaling continued momentum for leaders who prioritize workforce training, public education, and access to skilled-trades careers.
“These results show that voters continue to support leaders who stand with working families and the skilled trades,” said Gary Warren, director of government affairs for the SRCC.
In Texas, several SRCC-endorsed candidates secured primary victories. James Talarico, a lifelong Texan, educator and public servant, won his Democratic primary after campaigning on strengthening public education and expanding economic opportunity. Talarico has consistently emphasized investments in schools and pathways to stable, middle-class careers.
U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, who represents Texas’ 29th Congressional District, also secured victory in the Democratic primary. Garcia has built a record supporting infrastructure investment, economic development, and policies aimed at protecting workers and strengthening regional economies.
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, representing Texas’ 34th Congressional District, also won his Democratic primary race. Gonzalez has championed workforce training initiatives and responsible infrastructure investment aimed at expanding job opportunities across south Texas.
In San Antonio, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro secured victory in his Democratic primary as well. Castro has long advocated for education, workforce development, and policies that expand economic mobility.
Meanwhile, longtime educator and public-school advocate Montserrat Garibay advanced to a runoff election. Garibay has spent her career working to strengthen public education and expand training opportunities that help prepare the next generation of workers.
Outside of Texas, SRCC-backed candidates also made strong showings in key races across the region. In North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, Jamie Ager earned the Democratic nomination after campaigning on strengthening local economies and expanding access to good-paying jobs throughout western North Carolina.
In Georgia, former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan advanced in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Duncan has highlighted the importance of economic growth, workforce development, and policies that help expand opportunity statewide.
“Investing in workforce training and good-paying careers strengthens our economy and creates lasting opportunity,” Warren said. “Union carpenters are proud to support candidates who understand the importance of strong labor standards and apprenticeship programs.” The SRCC backed these candidates as part of its ongoing effort to support leaders who recognize the value of apprenticeship training, fair labor standards, and policies that help grow the skilled trades.
Union leaders say they look forward to continuing to work with elected officials who support workforce development and economic growth across the Southern region.