UAW Endorses Benson for Governor, El-Sayed for Senate in Major Primary Boost
The powerful United Auto Workers union endorsed Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for governor and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate, reshaping Michigan’s Democratic primary races.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — The United Auto Workers delivered a powerful endorsement Friday that reshaped Michigan’s Democratic primary races, throwing its support behind Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for governor and former health official Dr. Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate ahead of the August 4 primary.
The UAW’s backing sent shockwaves through Michigan political circles and solidified both candidates as frontrunners in their respective Democratic nomination contests. The endorsements come after both candidates spent a year building labor support in their campaigns.
Benson Gains Momentum in Gubernatorial Race
The union’s endorsement establishes Benson as the leading candidate in the gubernatorial primary. She continues to face competition from Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who delivered a strong performance at a May 19 UAW-hosted debate in Dearborn that also featured independent candidate Mike Duggan, who dropped out shortly after the event.
Despite Swanson’s emphasis on his union credentials during the debate, the UAW membership ultimately chose Benson as their preferred candidate. “More than ever, we need to elect a leader in Lansing that stands alongside the UAW against corporate interests — and we know what side Jocelyn Benson is on,” the UAW said in a statement.
The union praised Benson’s record as Secretary of State, noting her willingness to challenge powerful interests. “As Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson has proved she’s not afraid to stand up against the most powerful billionaires in the name of working-class Michiganders across the state. UAW members need that kind of energy in Michigan’s Capitol,” the statement continued.
Senate Race Shakeup with El-Sayed Endorsement
The UAW’s support for El-Sayed created similar waves in the U.S. Senate race, where he faces U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak in a three-way Democratic primary battle. The endorsement provides El-Sayed with significant momentum as the former health official seeks to distinguish himself in the competitive field.
Both endorsements reflect the UAW’s strategic positioning in Michigan politics, where the union’s support carries considerable weight among Democratic primary voters. The organization’s backing often proves influential in statewide races, particularly given Michigan’s strong labor tradition and the UAW’s substantial membership base.
Primary Campaign Intensifies
With less than two months until the August 4 primary, the UAW endorsements are expected to influence campaign dynamics and fundraising efforts for both races. The union’s organizational strength and ability to mobilize voters could prove decisive in what are expected to be competitive primary contests.
The gubernatorial race has drawn particular attention as Democrats seek to maintain their hold on the governor’s mansion. Similarly, the Senate race represents a key opportunity for the party to maintain its influence in federal politics.
Political observers in Lansing and across Michigan noted the significance of the timing, coming as campaigns enter their final intensive phase before primary voters head to the polls. The UAW’s decision to make early endorsements rather than wait until closer to the primary suggests confidence in both candidates’ abilities to advance labor interests.
