Major unions in New York are breaking away from traditional Democratic support and backing GOP incumbents in local House races, increasing the Republicans’ chances of maintaining a majority. Despite the New York State AFL-CIO leadership supporting Democrats in competitive races, the National Transport Workers Union president, John Samuelsen, is supporting two Republican incumbents in swing districts: Mike Lawler and Marc Molinaro. Samuelsen emphasized that he backs candidates who are responsive to his member’s needs, which include mechanics, car cleaners, and transportation workers.
Lawler has received numerous endorsements from various unions, including law enforcement and construction and trades unions. Similarly, Molinaro has garnered support from building trades and law enforcement, including the national border patrol council. Both candidates have proven to be allies of the working class, with strong connections to labor unions. Lawler believes that the Republican Party should advocate for working families and fight for good paying jobs, striking a chord with union members who have moved towards the right politically.
Lawler is facing a tough challenge from Mondaire Jones, who has secured endorsements from teachers’ unions, health-care unions, and the AFL-CIO. The Emerson College poll showed a tight race between Lawler and Jones, with both candidates neck and neck in terms of support. Samuelsen of the TWU explained that Lawler’s endorsement was based on his support for measures benefiting workers in industries like airlines and transportation. Differences in policy positions have created tension between the candidates and their respective endorsements from labor unions.
Molinaro, also facing a challenging race, has gained support from building trades and law enforcement, including the national border patrol council. He has worked to cultivate relationships with union members during his time in Congress and has emphasized the importance of bipartisan support for labor issues. In Long Island’s South Shore 4th District, Rep. Anthony D’Esposito has secured endorsements from groups representing thousands of workers, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Civil Service Employees Association, in his rematch against Laura Gillen.
The endorsements from major unions for Republican candidates signify a shift in political dynamics, with unions deciding to support candidates based on their responsiveness to labor issues rather than strict party affiliations. Samuelsen’s support for Lawler and Molinaro highlights the importance of candidates proving their commitment to the working class to earn union endorsements. While tensions exist between politicians and unions over policy differences, the focus remains on supporting candidates who prioritize the needs of workers. As the midterm elections draw near, the influence of major unions in local House races will continue to shape the political landscape in New York.
