Episode Details

Mark Simon and Bob Marks are joined by Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the San Mateo County Central Labor Council, representing 105 unions and more than 95,000 workers and their families.

Julie explains how labor endorsements are earned, how political resources are allocated, and what labor sees as the biggest challenges facing working families in 2026 — from wages and housing costs to public budgets. The conversation also tackles artificial intelligence and automation, and how emerging technologies may reshape the workforce.

After the interview, Mark and Bob discuss the crowded California governor’s race and what it means for Democrats statewide, along with the evolving political landscape in San Mateo County.

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (00:31) - Julie Lind on labor’s role in county politics
• (02:37) - Critical issues facing labor in 2026
• (04:37) - Is San Mateo County progressive or pragmatic?
• (06:11) - How labor endorsements really work
• (14:43) - What labor brings to endorsed campaigns
• (15:49) - The billionaire tax & statewide measures
• (19:20) - What the Central Labor Council actually does
• (22:48) - AI, automation & autonomous vehicles
• (30:58) - The crowded California governor’s race
• (33:12) - Standout candidates?
• (34:52) - “Most influential person” in county politics
• (38:15) - Post-game: governor’s race strategy
• (41:18) - Is San Mateo County shifting politically?
• (45:12) - Closing

The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com. Watch or listen to every episode at TheGamePeninsula.com.