Several major unions in New York are breaking from the typical support of Big Labor for Democrats and are instead backing GOP incumbents over Democratic challengers in local House races. This shift is giving Republicans a better chance of maintaining a majority in the chamber.
The New York State AFL-CIO leadership is supporting Democrats in competitive House races, but some union leaders, like John Samuelsen of the National Transport Workers Union, are endorsing Republican incumbents such as Mike Lawler and Marc Molinaro. Samuelsen stated that he supports candidates who are responsive to his union members, which include various types of transportation workers.
Lawler has received 37 labor endorsements, including those from law enforcement and construction and trades unions. Molinaro has also garnered support from labor unions, including Local 43 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
In response to the union endorsements, some Democratic candidates, like Mondaire Jones, have criticized the unions for backing Republicans. Jones has the support of unions like the teachers and healthcare workers unions.
The endorsements from major unions could affect the outcome of tight House races, as seen in the dead heat between Lawler and Jones in the recent Emerson College poll. The support of labor unions is crucial for candidates seeking reelection or challenging incumbents in these contested races. Regardless of party affiliation, candidates who align with unions’ interests are receiving endorsements, highlighting the importance of labor support in local House races in New York.
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