Blog: Howard Dean and Dolores Huerta Endorse Betsy Butler

In September of this year, Howard Dean announced his endorsement of Assemblymember Betsy Butler for re-election. The former DNC Chair and a national leader in grassroots organizing said his endorsement reflects Butler’s proven track record of advancing progressive legislation.

"From taking on special interests, to banning toxic chemicals in baby bottles and fighting for farm workers' safety, Betsy Butler has been a champion of progressive values,” Governor Dean said. “We need to keep Democratic leaders like her in office to continue advancing the causes of environmental justice and civil rights – issues which are at the heart of our movement."

And that same month, Dolores Huerta endorsed Assemblymember Betsy Butler in her campaign to represent the 50th Assembly District. The civil rights icon, who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez, praised Assemblymember Butler’s commitment to environmental and social justice.

"I am proud to support Betsy Butler for the 50th Assembly District, because she has been committed to the fight for justice and equality for her entire life,” Dolores Huerta said. “She has been a tireless advocate for environmental justice, consumer and workers' rights, and she will continue to lead on these issues by fighting for the voiceless. During her first term in the Assembly, Betsy demonstrated her dedication to our veterans, elders, working families, the LGBT community and our farm workers. We need more legislators in Sacramento who truly believe that everyone in California deserves to be heard."

This legislative cycle, Butler also authored The Farm Worker Safety Act, which seeks to prevent deaths from heat-related illnesses for over 400,000 farm workers who work on one of the 35,000 farms across our state. The bill not only ensures farm workers have shade and water, but it also gives them the ability to seek legal action against employers who repeatedly neglect to provide these necessities.

Since the primary, Butler has received the endorsement of every major Democratic Club in her district that had previously endorsed Torie Osborn. Butler has also been endorsed by the California Democratic Party, the Latino Democrats of Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Democratic Party, the Santa Monica Democratic Club, the Stonewall Democratic Club and the West Hollywood/ Beverly Hills Democratic Club. In addition, she has also earned the endorsement of Assemblymember Mike Feuer who joined us at Betsy's campaign kick-off!