Esai Morales next role could be quite presidential…

SAG-AFTRA has released the official roster of candidates for its upcoming elections, with the 50-year-old Puerto Rican actor and Magic City star in the running for the top position.

Morales  is running for national president of SAG-AFTRA against Paul Edney, Ken Howard and Marilyn Monrovia.

“As an experienced ‘actorvist,’ I will refine how this merged union can benefit all members,” says the La Bamba star in his statement. “The current delay in residuals is unacceptable. I will hasten the unions promise of merging the pension and health plans. I will ensure that our readiness for the 2014 TV/Theatrical contract negotiations is unparalleled. SAG-AFTRA can no longer operate in the red. I will establish worldwide recognition, branding and proper industry respect for SAG-AFTRA. For our background performers I will lead the vetting of the costly and questionable hiring practices.”

The national position carries a two-year term.

National officer ballots will be mailed to all eligible SAG-AFTRA members nationwide on July16, with a return deadline and tabulation on August 15. Election results are expected to be announced that evening. The same schedule will apply to the Los Angeles and New York Local elections. Schedules vary for other local elections.

SAG-AFTRA is an American labor union representing more than 160,000 film and television principal and background performers throughout the world.

For more details Morales’ platform, visit www.membership1st.org.