For Immediate Release: October 13, 2023
Contact: [email protected]
SEIU California Endorses Gil Cisneros for Congress
Largest Union in California Says Former Los Angeles County Congressmember Cisneros Is A Proven Champion of Working People
Covina, CA – The Gil Cisneros for Congress campaign is proud to announce it earned the endorsement of SEIU California. Representing over 700,000 workers in California, SEIU is a powerful voice for working families and a driving force in advocating for economic fairness, high-quality services, and a just and prosperous Golden State. Cisneros, a former Naval Officer, Under Secretary of Defense, and Los Angeles County Congressmember, brings a wealth of experience and a proven record of service to his campaign for Congress. Born to a public school cafeteria worker and a Vietnam veteran, Cisneros understands the value of hard work and the importance of fighting for the rights of the middle class.
“Gil Cisneros is the embodiment of a true champion for working families, and his history as a worker and philanthropist speaks volumes about his commitment to economic fairness and social justice,” said David Green, President of SEIU Local 721 and SEIU California Executive Board Member. “Gil understands the struggles of everyday Americans because he’s been there himself. From his humble beginnings as the son of a public school cafeteria worker to his years of dedicated service in the U.S. Navy, Gil knows the value of hard work and the importance of standing up for those who too often go unheard. His dedication to economic fairness, access to quality education, and social justice aligns seamlessly with our mission at SEIU California. We are proud to endorse Gil Cisneros and stand with him in his bid for Congress. We need Gil back on the Hill!”
SEIU California’s endorsement reinforces Gil Cisneros’s reputation as a dedicated advocate for the people of the San Gabriel Valley and a staunch supporter of policies that promote economic fairness and social justice.
As Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and the Military’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Cisneros ensured the protection of basic rights for service members regardless of gender or sexual orientation. He implemented progressive policies such as travel cost coverage and time off for military personnel facing abortion restrictions, as well as reforms to address military sexual assault and harassment. During his time in Congress, Cisneros directly recovered over $550,000 for his constituents, secured $136 million in non-COVID related grants for infrastructure and services, and held numerous in-district events, including town halls, to connect with and represent his constituents effectively.
Now, with a mission to stand up for the San Gabriel Valley and continue advocating for veterans, students, the environment, and the middle class, Gil Cisneros stands ready to take his commitment to a higher level in the House of Representatives.
Cisneros’s Congressional campaign is endorsed by 15 Members of Congress, as well as several Labor Unions, Party leaders, and local elected officials in CA-31. Cisneros was previously endorsed in his past campaigns for Congress by both the Los Angeles County and Orange County Labor Federation, along with dozens of public and professional California labor unions. To see a full list of endorsements, click here.
###
Gil Cisneros is the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and the Military’s Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer. A former U.S. Naval Officer, Gil was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), the National Defense Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his exemplary service to his country.
From 2018 to 2021, Cisneros served as U.S. representative for Los Angeles county in California’s 39th Congressional District where he served on the Armed Services and Veterans Affairs committees.
Gil is Advocate and co-founder of The Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros Foundation, an organization committed to improving the level of Hispanic education in the country and the lives of Veterans. Gilbert’s dedication toward philanthropy began when he purchased a winning California Mega Millions lottery ticket in 2010. Gil and Jacki partnered with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the city of Pico Rivera, California to create Generation First Degree Pico Rivera, with the goal of putting a college degree in every Hispanic household in the city. Gil’s commitment to education led him to be appointed to former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative’s advisory board.
California’s 31st is an open Congressional District in Los Angeles County covering the San Gabriel Valley. Incumbent Congressmember Grace Napolitano is retiring. The district includes all or part of the Cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, City of Industry, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Glendora, Irwindale, La Puente, La Verne, Monrovia, San Dimas, South El Monte, and West Covina. 51.2% of the registered voters in CA-31 identify as Latino, and 15.3% are of Asian or Pacific Islander descent.
*Gil Cisneros is a former Navy officer and the use of his military rank, job titles and photographs in uniform does not* imply endorsement by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.
