Rounding out the top four union donors was Unite Here, a national hospitality workers union whose members include the Culinary Workers Union Local 226. The group gave more than $84,000, about 70 percent of which went to Assm. Linda Hunt (D-North Las Vegas), a longtime Culinary Union member who defeated an Assembly Democratic Caucus-backed candidate in the primary election.
Ted Pappageorge, the secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Union, said in an interview that the union is “in lockstep” with Unite Here. He said the odds are stacked against unions when it comes to political influence in Nevada, noting that the industry’s total fundraising made up less than 10 percent of all contributions to legislators during the 2024 cycle.
The Culinary Union has historically focused its political efforts on voter outreach and endorsements, rather than donating directly to candidates.
“It’s a David and Goliath story — always — when it comes to the money,” Pappageorge said.
It’s been a rocky start to the session for the Culinary Union, as Lombardo poured cold water on the effort to bring back daily room cleaning requirements in Nevada hotels — a priority for Culinary — while a hearing has not been scheduled on the constitutional amendment to repeal the state’s lottery ban that has been championed by unions but opposed by the gaming industry, the top spender in the 2024 election cycle.
Pappageorge isn’t losing hope yet, though.
“Once in a while, David slays Goliath,” he said.