Fast-food and unions are funding this Silicon Valley contest to champion workers’ rights

The fight between business and labor interests is finding ground in the race for District 2 on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.

Special interest groups have collectively spent $1.2 million to elect either former San Jose Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen or Betty Duong, chief of staff for District 2 Supervisor Cindy Chavez, who is terming out. Silicon Valley Biz PAC and a political action committee funded by fast-food franchise owners have put about $526,000 behind Nguyen and against Duong, while the South Bay Labor Council and unions have spent $799,000 to support Duong and oppose Nguyen.