How Labor Endorsements Really Work in San Mateo County — Julie Lind Explains
In this episode of The Game, Mark Simon and Bob Marks sit down with Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the San Mateo County Central Labor Council, representing 105 affiliated unions and more than 95,000 workers and their families.
Julie explains how organized labor operates in San Mateo County politics, what it takes for a candidate to earn a labor endorsement, and how the Council decides where to invest its political resources. She also discusses wages, housing affordability, public agency budget deficits, and the economic pressures facing working families in 2026.
The conversation then expands into artificial intelligence, automation, and autonomous vehicles — and what responsible implementation should look like when jobs and public safety are involved.
After Julie signs off, Mark and Bob stay on for a post-game discussion about the crowded California governor’s race, the challenge of narrowing the Democratic field, and the evolving political identity of San Mateo County.
Guest: Julie Linde, San Mateo County Central Labor Council
Hosts: Mark Simon & Bob Marks
Producer: Frank Bravo
⏱ Time Breaks
00:00 – Introduction
00:31 – Julie Lind on labor’s role in county politics
02:37 – Critical issues facing labor in 2026
04:37 – Is San Mateo County progressive or pragmatic?
06:11 – How labor endorsements really work
14:43 – What labor brings to endorsed campaigns
15:49 – The billionaire tax & statewide measures
19:20 – What the Central Labor Council actually does
22:48 – AI, automation & autonomous vehicles
30:58 – The crowded California governor’s race
33:12 – Standout candidates?
34:52 – “Most influential person” in county politics
38:15 – Post-game: governor’s race strategy
41:18 – Is San Mateo County shifting politically?
45:12 – Closing
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