Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Tia Orr

No. 8 Tia Orr

It’s fair to say SEIU California Executive Director Tia Orr has spent much of the last year playing defense. But then who hasn’t been? That’s what happens during lean budget times exacerbated by massive impending federal budget cuts that promise to make 2027 even leaner yet. But while 750,000-member SEIU didn’t have another Hot Labor Summer, it did manage to avoid losing the many gains it has made in recent, more financially stable times. And Orr’s leadership and political savvy are a big reason why. She is a renowned relationship builder, a keen strategist and a tireless leader who commands respect from friend and foe alike. Big Labor is always a huge player in California politics, and Orr is as influential and impactful as any labor leader could be. Case in point – her union spent big bucks and utilized thousands of union foot soldiers in the successful effort to pass Prop. 50, and is already gearing up for a similar campaign on behalf of union-friendly candidates in November. She is not the only union chief with sway in the Capitol, but Orr is the most impactful.

Updated Aug. 11, 2026