LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Former Vice President Kamala Harris joined Nevada Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Aaron Ford and Rep. Dina Titus at a rally with Culinary Workers Union Local 226 on Wednesday.
Harris thanked Culinary Union Local 226 for its organizing work, calling members “champions for working people.” She said the union’s efforts have contributed to Nevada electing two women U.S. senators and achieving the first majority-women state legislature in the country.
MORE ON FOX5: Rosen joins colleagues in introducing bill ending tariffs
Harris said electing Ford would make him the first Black governor in Nevada history and the first Black governor west of the Mississippi in the country.
Harris criticized the current presidential administration, calling it “the most corrupt, callous, and incompetent presidential administration we have ever witnessed.” She said the country was 13 days from the election at the time of the rally and encouraged attendees to continue organizing.
“That era of feeling powerless… that era is over,” Harris said. “Because we are now 13 days away from doing something about it to stop the pain.”
Harris thanked Culinary Union workers for enduring economic hardship, including job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and encouraged them to continue their organizing efforts through Election Day.
“When we vote, we win. And when we fight, we win,” Harris said.
Union members reflect on rally
Following the rally, Diana Valles, with the Culinary Union, said the union had approximately 200 people knocking on doors that day and had canvassed thousands of doors throughout the campaign. She said the deployment numbers were consistent with previous election cycles.
Valles said members are motivated by the cost of food, gas and rent, as well concerns about immigration enforcement. She said the union is focused on supporting candidates including Ford and Titus.
Asked about the Culinary Union’s role ahead of the 2028 presidential election, Valles said the union is not a political organization but represents Nevada workers. She said the union’s contracts are set to expire in 2028 and that contract negotiations will be the union’s focus.
Valles said Harris’ visit was welcomed by members, noting that workers want to hear from candidates willing to listen to their concerns.
Yolanda Danner, a Culinary Union member, called Harris’ appearance “a dream come true,” saying she has been involved in political organizing since Harris’ presidential campaign. Danner said she has been encouraging friends and family to vote and said she has texted and called others to confirm they have turned in their ballots.
“It’s important because a lot of people don’t watch the news and aren’t really… involved in the political spectrum,” Danner said, describing the union’s door-knocking efforts as a way to build awareness.
Danner said she hopes her involvement in canvassing shows her grandchildren that they can get involved as well.
“If you sit it out… you are missing out on speaking your voice,” Danner said. “Voting, everything counts. And without it, nothing gets accomplished.”
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
