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SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Association of Psychiatric Technicians (CAPT) announced today that its Board of Directors unanimously endorsed Eric Swalwell for Governor of California. The Board held its endorsement vote on March 4, 2026, following CAPT’s candidate interview process with several declared gubernatorial candidates.
CAPT represents state-employed Psychiatric Technicians who deliver critical mental health and developmental disability care in state hospitals, correctional facilities, developmental centers, and in community programs across California. With this announcement, CAPT becomes the first state employee bargaining unit to endorse Congressman Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign.
“The California Association of Psychiatric Technicians is proud to endorse Eric Swalwell for Governor,” said CAPT State President Eric Soto. “Congressman Swalwell understands the essential role frontline public employees play in protecting public safety and caring for Californians in crisis. His leadership and commitment to our mental health professionals and working families make him the right choice to lead our state forward.”
Soto said CAPT endorsed Swalwell after thoroughly evaluating the candidates and their positions on issues impacting public employees, mental health care, and the state workforce. View Press Release
CAPT Board Endorses Eric Swalwell For Governor
March 5, 2026
On March 4, 2026, the CAPT Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse Eric Swalwell for Governor of California. CAPT is proud to be the first state employee bargaining unit to announce an endorsement of Congressman Swalwell in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
CAPT’s endorsement followed a series of candidate interviews in which the Board evaluated each candidate’s positions on issues affecting state employees, mental health professionals, workplace safety, and collective bargaining rights.
“CAPT’s endorsement of Eric Swalwell reflects our commitment to supporting leaders who recognize the vital role Psychiatric Technicians play in California’s public safety and mental health systems. Our members serve on the frontlines in state hospitals, correctional facilities, developmental centers, and community programs, caring for some of California’s most vulnerable populations. We need leadership that respects collective bargaining, values public employees, and understands that safe facilities and quality care depend on a strong workforce. Congressman Swalwell demonstrated a clear understanding of these priorities.”
— Eric Soto, CAPT State President View flier.
February 24, 2026
CAPT is pleased to announce that the finalized 2025–2028 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been sent to the printer. Our new MOUs are currently in production and will be distributed to members in the coming weeks under the previously approved distribution plan.
How You’ll Receive Your Copy
Local Chapter Distribution
Members at single-worksite chapters will receive their printed MOU through their local CAPT chapter during regular office hours or at scheduled membership meetings. Chapter leadership will notify members when copies are available.
Mailed Distribution
Printed MOUs will be mailed directly to members in the Northern Corrections, Southern Corrections, and Integrated Community chapters, where worksites are regionally dispersed. Keeping your contact information up to date ensures you receive your copy without delay.
If you have recently moved or need to update your address, use CAPT’s address update form or contact:
Aislynn Taylor
(916) 329-9140
taylor@psychtechs.net
Digital Copy Available Now
A digital copy of the full 2025–2028 BU 18 MOU is available now on the CAPT website via the provided link.
For questions about the new contract, please contact your local chapter and stay connected at www.psychtechs.net.
BARGAINING UNIT 18 MEMBER(S) CURRENTLY IN NEED OF C.L. DONATIONS:
Northern Corrections Chapter
Jomer Bais -- PT (CMF)
CAPT got the concept of Catastrophic Leave off the ground two decades ago; the program’s been in our state Bargaining Unit 18 contract since 1989.
Article 6.9 of the CAPT contract gives state-employed Psych Techs and related professionals the right to request leave donations from coworkers in cases of financial hardship due to injury or the prolonged illness of the state Bargaining Unit 18 member or his or her family member, or for parental or adoption leave purposes. Download flier.
