FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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April 13, 2022
Democratic candidate Wes Moore earns the endorsement of Ironworkers Local 5 Union
Ironworkers Local #5, the progressive union representing over 1,000 ironworkers, backs Moore in race for Governor
Moore’s unparalleled momentum continues with labor union’s endorsement
BALTIMORE (April 13, 2022) – Democratic Candidate for Maryland Governor Wes Moore today earned the endorsement of Ironworkers Local #5, a chapter of the International Association of Ironworkers covering jurisdictions in Maryland, Virginia, and part of West Virginia. The progressive union represents over 1,000 ironworkers in the region, including journeymen, apprentices, and retirees.
“My support for labor unions is as unwavering as it is personal. I come from a family with strong union values, and I will always stand with workers.” said Wes Moore. “Union support will be critical to rebuilding our infrastructure, creating pathways into the workforce by investing in union apprenticeship programs, and transitionitioning to a green economy. I am grateful to the Ironworkers Union for their partnership and I look forward to working together to build a brighter future for Maryland’s workers.”
The union cited Moore’s commitment to protecting workers’ right to organize, requiring strong labor standards on new infrastructure projects, and ensuring unions have a seat at the table in a Moore-Miller administration, as key to their endorsement.
“Wes Moore has a track record of strong leadership proven with his ability to connect with our members, including our apprentices and voters from all walks of life. His growing coalition is emblematic of that, and our confidence resides in his continued efforts of bringing labor to the table. We look forward to building on our progress in Maryland, and ensuring union workers are building this state,” said Aaron Bast, Business Manager of Local 5.
The announcement of the union’s support for Wes Moore in the race for Governor follows the endorsement of another key union, the Maryland State Educators Association, representing 76,000 education professionals in the state. Moore’s strong support amongst key labor unions, as well as the endorsements from elected leaders of all levels, has solidified Moore’s status as a frontrunner in the race for Governor.
Ironworkers Union #5 joins Wes Moore and his running mate former Del. Aruna Miller’s rapidly growing coalition that includes endorsements from former Governor and former Prince George’s County Executive Parris Glendening; Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks; Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman; Former Baltimore County Executive Don Mohler; Former Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy; Sen. Guy Guzzone (District 13); Sen. Antonio Hayes (District 40); Sen. Cheryl Kagan (District 17); Sen. Delores Kelley (District 10); Sen. Obie Patterson (District 26); Former Sen. Nathaniel McFadden (District 45); Del. Marlon Amprey (District 40); Del. Vanessa Atterbeary (District 13); Del. Ben Barnes (District 21); Del. Kumar Barve (District 17); Del. Lisa Belcastro (District 11); Del. Regina Boyce (District 43); Del. Chanel Branch (District 45); Del. Frank Conaway, Jr. (District 40); Del. Jessica Feldmark (District 13); Del. Terri Hill (District 12); Del. Anne Kaiser (District 14); Majority Leader Del. Eric Luedtke (District 14); Del. Mike Rogers (District 32); Del. Emily Shetty (District 18); Del. and Baltimore City Delegation Chair Stephanie Smith (District 45); Del. Melissa Wells (District 40); Del. Nicole Williams (District 22); Former Del. Gene Counihan (District 15); Bowie Mayor Pro Tem & Councilmember Adrian Boafo; Baltimore City Councilmember John Bullock (District 9); Morningside Mayor Bennard Cann; Baltimore City Councilmember Zeke Cohen (District 1); Baltimore City Councilmember Mark Conway (District 4); Baltimore City Councilmember Eric Costello (District 11); Bowie City Councilmember Michael Esteve (District 11); Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (At Large); Baltimore County Council Chair and Councilmember Julian Jones (District 4); Former Gaithersburg Councilmember Yvette Monroe; Baltimore City Councilmember Phylicia Porter (District 10); Baltimore City Councilmember Odette Ramos (District 14); Somerset Mayor Jeffrey Slavin; Riverdale Park Councilmember Richard Smith (Ward 1); Laurel Councilmember Brencis Smith (Ward 2); Baltimore City Councilmember Robert Stokes (District 12); Baltimore City Councilmember James Torrence (District 7); Forest Heights Mayor Calvin Washington; former Maryland Democratic Party chairs Michael Cryor and Susie Turnbull; Former Chair of the Montgomery County Planning Board Royce Hanson; The Baltimore Fire Officers Union Local 964; Collective PAC, one of the nation’s largest organizations working to build Black representation in government; Impact, a leading national organization supporting the Indian American and South Asian community; The Maryland State Education Association; and VoteVetsPAC, one of the top veterans advocacy organizations in the country.
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