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Teamster Tips the Scales of Power in Pennsylvania
Longtime Local 205 Member Wins Decisive Election
On March 25, a rank-and-file Teamster tipped the scales of power in Pennsylvania.
Since January, the commonwealth’s House of Representatives had been split 101-101 between Democrats and Republicans. That meant a special election to fill District 35’s vacant seat would determine which party holds the majority and the authority that comes with it.
To win a race this pivotal, either party would need a talented candidate with the character and courage to throw their hat in the ring. In stepped Dan Goughnour, a proud member of Local 205 and a 16-year policeman in the city of McKeesport, Penn., just outside Pittsburgh.
Goughnour has devoted his life to public service –– whether it’s keeping his community safe as an officer or serving on the local school board and borough council. So, when he was presented with the chance to advocate for the people of Western Pennsylvania in the legislature, it was a no-brainer. But it wasn’t a walk in the park.
There are a lot of logistical hurdles that come with organizing a campaign. Those hurdles were even steeper for Goughnour because this election was held with just two months’ notice.
“Running a two month-long campaign was like drinking water from a firehose,” Goughnour said. “But it made all the difference having a great team behind me, especially Secretary-Treasurer Carl Bailey and my brothers and sisters from Local 205.”
Even before launching his campaign, Goughnour had the support of Local 205, Joint Council 40, and the International Union’s Department of Political and Legislative Action –– in addition to a large coalition of labor leaders and local elected officials.
“We were all proud to support Dan,” said Carl Bailey, President of Joint Council 40 and Secretary Treasurer of Local 205. “I’ve known him since he first started at the McKeesport Police Department. He’s very active in the community and a great member of our local. That’s why I’m so confident he’ll be a strong representative in the capital.”
Every day for weeks on-end, Goughnour and his fellow Teamsters knocked on doors, made phone calls, and energized voters to mobilize a winning campaign. When election day finally came around, he learned his hard work had paid off. He won his race by 18 points.
“When I heard the news, above all else, I felt relieved. Elections are funny. Looking at the data, we knew things were in our favor, but until the votes are counted, you can never be sure,” Goughnour said.
He now heads to Harrisburg to fight on behalf of his constituents. He joins eight other legislators with strong Teamsters ties: Rep. Pat Harkins, from Local 397; Rep. Steve Malagari, from Local 830; Rep. Jim Haddock, from Local 77; Rep. Dave Delloso, from Local 107; Reps. Dan Williams and Kristine Howard, from Local 384; Sen. Wayne Fontana, from Local 249; and Sen. Lindsey Williams, who worked at the Teamsters Union.
The “Teamsters Caucus,” as the group calls itself, brings the voices of the union hall to the capital’s halls of power. There, they introduce legislation to protect and promote labor rights. They hold hearings to ensure workers’ perspectives are heard and corporations are scrutinized for how they treat their employees. And they work tirelessly to raise the priorities that are important to Teamsters members and working Pennsylvanians.
As Goughnour prepares to take office, he is thinking more about how he can best serve his constituents.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running, but I know I’ve got a lot to learn. One of my top priorities is going to be making sure I have the backs not just of my fellow Teamsters but of all our union brothers and sisters across Pennsylvania.”