The Writers Guild of America West has officially announced the initial list of candidates for its 2026 board of directors election. This pivotal election will see a blend of established and emerging talent from the writing community contending for leadership roles within the union. The announcement follows closely on the heels of the WGA's successful ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement, highlighting a period of significant activity and member engagement within the organization.
WGA West Reveals Board Candidates for Upcoming Election
Los Angeles, California – On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Writers Guild of America West publicly disclosed the first group of candidates who will be seeking election to its esteemed board of directors. This roster includes several influential figures from the entertainment industry, signaling a robust contest for the available seats. Among the notable names put forth are Andrew Goldberg, a former showrunner recognized for his work on Big Mouth, and John Eisendrath, known for his leadership on The Blacklist. Additionally, Mark Swift, the talented screenwriter behind this year's Send Help, is also among the nominees.
These three accomplished writers are part of an initial cohort of fourteen candidates endorsed by the WGA West's nominating committee. The election aims to fill eight open positions on the board. The list of aspiring board members also features Nikita Hamilton, Aaron Wiener, Silpa Kovvali, Jeffrey Thompson, Morgan Dameron, and Mark Amato. Furthermore, several current board members, including Chris Hazzard, Cathryn Humphris, Danny Tolli, Raphael Bob-Waksberg, and Melinda Hsu, have put their names forward for re-election, indicating a desire to continue their service to the union.
While this initial list was compiled by the nominating committee, union members still have the opportunity to join the race by petition. Prospective candidates can submit their petitions with at least 15 supporting signatures from fellow members until July 23. The official voting period is set to begin on August 26, with members able to cast their ballots either online or via mail until the deadline of September 15.
The newly elected board members will collaborate with the existing leadership, which includes union president Michele Mulroney, vice president Travis Donnelly, and secretary-treasurer Peter Murrieta. None of these current officers are standing for re-election this year, ensuring continuity in leadership. This election cycle unfolds approximately two months after the WGA's recent collective bargaining agreement with studios and streamers was overwhelmingly ratified by more than 90 percent of its members. This four-year agreement notably reinforced the union's health plan, introduced a 10.5 percent increase in most scale wages over the contract's duration, and enhanced residuals and the union's streaming success bonus, marking significant gains for its members.
The upcoming WGA West board election underscores the dynamic nature of creative labor unions in the entertainment sector. The diverse slate of candidates, ranging from established showrunners to accomplished screenwriters, reflects a broad desire to actively shape the future direction of the guild. Their involvement highlights the ongoing commitment of industry professionals to advocate for writers' rights, fair compensation, and improved working conditions. This election serves as a crucial moment for members to elect leaders who will continue to build upon recent successes, especially in a rapidly evolving media landscape characterized by streaming platforms and emerging technologies. The outcomes will undoubtedly influence policy decisions and strategic initiatives that will impact the livelihoods and creative opportunities for writers across the industry for years to come.