Published Date: 2026-03-06

California Association of Psychiatric Technicians Endorses Congressman Eric Swalwell for Governor

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.

“After interviewing all of the candidates, it became clear that Congressman Swalwell was the one who understood and identified the critical roles our members play in providing mental health care in our state,” Soto said. “That is why the CAPT Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse his candidacy for Governor.”

CAPT’s endorsement demonstrates the organization’s commitment to support leaders who recognize the importance of investing in California’s public workforce, strengthening mental health services, and protecting the collective bargaining rights and workplace safety of frontline caregivers.

The association will educate its members across California about the stakes of the upcoming election and urge them to support candidates who value the essential services provided by Psychiatric Technicians.

The California Association of Psychiatric Technicians represents over 5,000 state-employed Psychiatric Technicians and related classifications working in California’s hospitals, correctional facilities, developmental centers, and community programs. CAPT advocates for safe staffing, quality patient care, professional advancement, and strong workplace protections for the mental health professionals who serve some of California’s most vulnerable populations.

March 5, 2025 | View Press Release