IBEW LOCAL 26 ENDORSES DYANA FORESTER FOR DC COUNCIL AT-LARGE

May 27, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joshua Harris | Info@dyanafordc.com

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 26 Backs Forester for Her Decades-Long Commitment to Union Jobs, Registered Apprenticeships, and Equitable Economic Development

WASHINGTON, DC - The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 26 (IBEW 26) today announced its endorsement of Dyana Forester for DC Democratic Council At-Large, citing her more than 20-year record of championing union jobs, registered apprenticeship pathways, and responsible economic development for DC's working families.

As one of the region's most respected voices in the labor movement, IBEW Local 26 represents thousands of electrical workers across the DC Metropolitan Area. The endorsement adds significant momentum to Forester's growing coalition of labor, community, and civic support.

IBEW Local 26 said:

"The IBEW 26 endorses Dyana Forester for DC Council At-Large (D) because Dyana has always been steadfast, committed, and resolute in ensuring that DC residents have access to good union jobs and continues to champion responsible and equitable economic development. For more than 20 years, Dyana's mission has remained consistent, expanding opportunity for young people and working families, and continues to organize and advocate for registered apprenticeships as a direct pathway to strong, sustainable careers."

 Dyana Forester said:

"Earning the endorsement of IBEW Local 26 means everything to me. The men and women of IBEW 26 are the backbone of this city, they build it, power it, and make it run. I have spent my entire career fighting to make sure DC residents, especially our young people, have a real shot at the kind of good, union jobs that IBEW 26 represents. Registered apprenticeships are not just a workforce strategy, they are a ladder into the middle class, and on the DC Council, I will fight every single day to expand that ladder for every ward in this city."

A Record Rooted in Labor and Worker Opportunity

The IBEW 26 endorsement reflects Forester's deep roots at the intersection of labor organizing and economic development. As President of the Community Services Agency, she led pre-apprenticeship programs that created direct workforce pathways for young people and returning citizens. As Labor Representative on the DC Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, appointed by the Metro Washington Labor Council AFL-CIO, she consistently sided with workers and working-class residents over developers and political pressure. As an At-Large candidate, she has made expanding registered apprenticeships and connecting DC residents to living-wage careers a centerpiece of both her economic and education platforms.

Forester's community schools proposal, a key pillar of her policy platform, would build pre-apprenticeship tracks and career pathways directly into DC Public Schools, ensuring that young people across all eight wards graduate with the skills and credentials to access the kind of careers IBEW 26 members have built.

Building a Labor Coalition for DC's Working Families

The IBEW Local 26 endorsement is the latest in a growing list of labor and community endorsements for Forester's campaign. Dyana has been endorsed by several labor unions, U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks, and Governor Wes Moore. Together, these endorsements reflect a broad coalition united around the belief that DC's economic future must work for working people, not just the well-connected and the wealthy.

"Working families need a seat at the table on the DC Council," Forester said. "With IBEW Local 26 standing with us, we are one step closer to making that a reality."

To learn more about Dyana Forester's campaign and policy priorities, visit www.dyanafordc.com.