Campaign Statement:
The Movement Continues with Katey Rein for D3 Head Steward

The campaign of Steven Sander has informed the CAPS-UAW Elections Committee of its decision to suspend its candidacy for District 3 Head Steward. After reviewing the election results, the campaign determined that this is not the time to move forward with a three-way runoff election for the sixth District 3 Head Steward position.

From the outset, this was a challenging campaign facing significant headwinds. Even so, the team remained focused on conducting a positive, principled campaign that stayed true to its values. The campaign’s militant, progressive, and unapologetically member-centered approach brought together CAPS-UAW members from all backgrounds around vital issues affecting the union and its future.

Throughout the race, the campaign elevated critical topics: advancing pay equity, resisting forced return-to-office mandates, defending the contract, strengthening member organization, and standing in solidarity with oppressed peoples, including the Palestinian people. The campaign demonstrated that a substantial portion of the membership values experience, integrity, and commitment over political affiliation or faction.

Supporters across District 3 and throughout California are encouraged to continue building toward a transparent, democratic, member-led, and fighting union capable of defending members’ rights and expanding collective power. Though this campaign chapter has closed, the larger movement continues with renewed energy.

The immediate next step in the struggle for a pay-equity-centered, anti-RTO, member-driven, and transparent union is clear: continue the movement by supporting Katey Rein for District 3 Head Steward.

As Chair of the CAPS Member Action Committee, Katey Rein organized hundreds of Contract Action Team members statewide to take action during the campaign for a fair contract. She played a leading role in making the historic Defiance for Science strike a success. Her long record of dedication on the District 3 Member Support Team and her steadfast integrity demonstrate her unshakable commitment to putting members first. Katey Rein leads by example—choosing principle over politics, and service over self-promotion.

District 3 members are urged to cast their runoff ballots for Katey Rein and to continue building a union that is worthy of its members’ strength, commitment, and ideals.

The movement continues. Solidarity forever!