The SEIU PA State Council, on behalf of the 80,000 members our 5 local unions represent, calls on the Allegheny County Democratic Committee to rescind their endorsement of Pat Catena for PA House District 45. There is no place for candidates who enlist hate tactics to gain voter support while representing a party that fights for the rights of all people.

As a union, we stand with all workers, including the many LGBTQ+ workers among our own membership. We were horrified to see recent mail sent from the Pat Catena campaign that engaged in transphobic messaging. This is a strategy that Republicans have used to target our communities, promote violence, and deflect from governing. Such rhetoric has no place in the Democratic caucus, especially if the Party is truly committed to passing the Equality Act in Pennsylvania.

Further, we call for the removal of Pat Catena as President of the Allegheny County Council. His behavior throughout this campaign is not befitting of the position; the County deserves a leader committed to making life better for everyone - not dividing our communities.

Sincerely,

Matt Yarnell - President SEIU PA State Council; President SEIU Healthcare PA
Steve Catanese - Secretary-Treasurer, SEIU PA State Council; President, SEIU 668
Tim Finucan - State Director and Vice President for Pennsylvania/Delaware SEIU 32BJ
David Melman - Manager, Pennsylvania Joint Board of Workers United, SEIU