Irwin picks up endorsement from USW District 10

It’s the latest union to support Democrat in 12th District primary

Democratic congressional candidate Steve Irwin on Friday picked up another endorsement from organized labor.

The United Steel Workers District 10, which represents thousands of workers in southwestern Pennsylvania and about 50,000 in total across the state, announced its support for Mr. Irwin at a news conference at Steelworkers Union Hall in Braddock alongside U.S.

Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest Hills.

“Steve Irwin is someone we can trust to protect our jobs and fight for families here in the Mon Valley,” said Bernie Hall, director of USW District 10. “Steve understands that both family-sustaining jobs and a clean environment are necessary and attainable. We believe Steve can be the responsible voice in the room, leading the way to finding solutions that not only benefit our members but the entire region.”

Mr. Irwin, a partner at the Leech Tishman law firm in Pittsburgh, has already received endorsements from four other well-connected, Democrat-friendly unions.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 5, Iron Workers Local 3, Boilermakers Local 154 and Steamfitters Local 449 are all backing Mr. Irwin’s candidacy for the 12th Congressional District, which the retiring Mr. Doyle now represents.

He was also endorsed by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto.

“I’m incredibly proud to stand with our Steelworkers,” Mr. Irwin said. “For generations they have provided the families in our communities with sustainable careers, that allow our region to grow, and our people to lead rewarding lives with dignity and respect. You can count on me to continue standing with our steelworkers when I get to Congress.”

Mr. Irwin’s top opponents have also received support from various unions.

State Rep. Summer Lee, D-Swissvale, was endorsed by the SEIU HealthCare Workers PA, SEIU 32BJ, the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers and Justice Democrats. She has also been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., a leading progressive voice and former presidential candidate.

University of Pittsburgh professor Jerry Dickinson is backed by the Teamsters

Joint Council No. 40, an affiliate of the AlleghenyFayette Central Labor Council that represents thousands of workers in Western Pennsylvania.

Democrats Will Parker and Jeff Woodard are also pursuing the seat in the newly drawn district, which encompasses all of the city of Pittsburgh, much of the southern and southeastern suburbs of Allegheny County, and the western edge of Westmoreland County.