Santa Monica’s police union and firefighter’s union each announced the endorsement of Councilmember Lana Negrete for re-election this fall. Negrete is the only endorsed candidates for three seats, and the unions hinted that future endorsements may be forthcoming.
“I’m incredibly proud to have the support of both our police officers and firefighters because public safety isn’t something you support only during an election,” Negrete said in a statement to the Lookout.
The endorsement of Negrete is not a surprise, they endorsed her four years ago and she has been a staunch defender of public safety officers in her time in office. What is somewhat of a surprise is that she received the endorsement of both groups on her own. Other organizations chose to endorse Negrete and her potential slate-mates Doug Tressler and Ashley Oelson (who lists Negrete as an endorsement) or to endorse incumbents Negrete and Mayor Caroline Torosis.
The unions’ endorsement is seen as important not just because of the optics of being supported by those protecting the public, but because the unions put money and manpower behind their candidates. However, the unions’ backing does not guarantee electoral success.
Four years ago, the fire fighter’s union voted to endorse Torosis, Negrete and gadfly Armen Melkonians. The police union voted to endorse Negrete, Melkonians, and Recreation and Parks Commissioner Albin Gielicz.
The unions may also still be debating supporting Phil Brock. The former mayor was elected in 2020, a year the public safety unions declined to endorse any candidates, and was defeated in 2024 with both unions’ endorsements. In fact, Brock’s entire 4-person slate was endorsed two years ago by the public safety unions. None of the candidates were elected/re-elected to office.
Author
About The Author
