How Labor Endorsements Really Work in San Mateo County — Julie Lind Explains

Mark Simon and Bob Marks are joined by Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the San Mateo County Central Labor Council, representing 105 unions and more than 95,000 workers and their families.

Julie explains how labor endorsements are earned, how political resources are allocated, and what labor sees as the biggest challenges facing working families in 2026 — from wages and housing costs to public budgets. The conversation also tackles artificial intelligence and automation, and how emerging technologies may reshape the workforce.

After the interview, Mark and Bob discuss the crowded California governor’s race and what it means for Democrats statewide, along with the evolving political landscape in San Mateo County.

⏱ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Opening

00:31 – Labor’s role in county politics

06:11 – Inside the endorsement process

14:43 – Campaign support from labor

22:48 – AI & automation impacts

30:58 – Governor’s race dynamics

38:15 – Post-game analysis

45:12 – Wrap-up