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For Immediate Release:
SACRAMENTO, CA — April 13, 2026 — Due to recent serious allegations, the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians (CAPT) has withdrawn its endorsement of California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell.
As the allegations surfaced over the past several days, CAPT leadership decided to convene its Board of Directors to review the union’s endorsement. Before the Board could hold its meeting, the candidate suspended his campaign. Following this development, CAPT proceeded with its planned governance process, and the Board formally voted unanimously to withdraw its endorsement.
CAPT issued the following statement:
“Any allegations of sexual assault, abuse of power, or misconduct must be taken with the utmost seriousness and investigated thoroughly. As a union, we believe strongly in due process. At the same time, we are equally committed to protecting individuals from exploitation, violence, and abuse. These principles are not in conflict—they are foundational to a just and safe workplace.
Every day, Psychiatric Technicians work in environments where safety, dignity, and accountability are essential. Every day, we work to make the workplace safer for our fellow workers. CAPT will continue to uphold these values in all aspects of our advocacy and endorsements.” Download Full Release.
Invest in your Future
Apply for the 2026 Anthony Myers Memorial Scholarship
Are you on your way to becoming a licensed Psychiatric Technician? Let the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians help fund your education!
Scholarship Awards
Up to 10 scholarships of $1,000 each
Top Scholarship: $2,000
Runner-up: $1,500
Who Can Apply?
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians accredited Psychiatric Technician program,
- are a *CAPT member, a relative of a retired or active *CAPT member, or reside in a *CAPT member’s household. *The active CAPT member must be a member in good standing since January 18, 2026.
- Previous CAPT scholarship recipients are not eligible.
How to Apply
Complete the online application using the provided link and submit the required documents, including proof of enrollment and recommendation letters. Write a short statement about your passion for becoming a Psychiatric Technician.
Deadline: July 18, 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
BARGAINING UNIT 18 MEMBER(S) CURRENTLY IN NEED OF C.L. DONATIONS
Atascadero Chapter
Rigoberto Rangel
CAPT got the concept of Catastrophic Leave off the ground two decades ago; the program’s been in our state Bargaining Unit 18 contract since 1989.
Article 6.9 of the CAPT contract gives state-employed Psych Techs and related professionals the right to request leave donations from coworkers in cases of financial hardship due to injury or the prolonged illness of the state Bargaining Unit 18 member or his or her family member, or for parental or adoption leave purposes. View flier.
March 19, 2026
The candidate declaration period for the 2026 Chapter Officer Elections officially closed at 5:00 p.m. on March 10, 2026.
Chapters Holding Elections
Elections will be conducted in the following chapters where officer positions are contested:
- Stockton Chapter
- Community Facilities Chapter
Ballot packets for these chapters will be mailed no later than April 1, 2026, and will include detailed voting instructions, candidate statements, and return materials. View flier.
Member Meeting
26th March 2026
The CAPT Northern Southern Chapter will hold a member meeting on Microsoft Teams on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. To participate, RSVP your attendance to chapter president Walter Lewis at (760) 520-5159 or socalprez@psychtechs.net.
Agenda
The meeting topic will cover the Southern Corrections Chapter budget. View flier.
