UAW Announces Major Michigan Candidate Endorsements for 2026

In a decision led by a member-elected board of the UAW’s Community Action Program (CAP) in Michigan, the UAW is announcing two major endorsements for statewide races ahead of a critical year for defending workers’ rights.

For the office of Michigan Attorney General, the union is endorsing Karen McDonald to lead bold action in the fight against federal attacks on the rights of all working-class Michiganders. And for Secretary of State, the UAW stands with Garlin Gilchrist to preserve our democracy and right to vote as Michigan continues to be ground zero in attacks on the ballot box.

“The UAW’s support is never automatic. In times like these, we look past party lines and focus on one thing: electing leaders who will stand up to the billionaires and fight for union families,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “UAW members who lead the Michigan CAP Board came together to ask hard questions and evaluate candidates with the goal of determining who is ready and willing to fight for working people. Our union’s endorsement is earned, not given. This moment is about electing leaders who will stand shoulder to shoulder with working people. Karen McDonald for Attorney General and Garlin Gilchrist for Secretary of State are the leaders that we trust to win and to have our backs.”

“Workers’ rights are in more danger than ever, and we need an Attorney General like Karen McDonald as our first line of defense for working-class Michiganders,” said Dennis Geno, UAW Local 362 member and Chair of the Great Lakes Bay Area Regional CAP Council.  “I drove over three hours in a snowstorm to hear from candidates who would support our union. Karen grew up in a working-class family, was a union member herself. She has a track record as a fighter and will fight for workers as Attorney General. We know a real one when we see her, and Karen McDonald is a real one we can trust on our side.”

“Michigan is ground zero for attacks on our right to vote and Garlin Gilchrist is the person we need to protect our democracy,” said Dwayne Walker, UAW Local 900 President and Michigan CAP Council Executive Committee member. “Garlin is a strong ally to the UAW and has shown up time and again to not just stand tall but to stand in solidarity with Michigan’s working class when we’ve needed him the most. The choice is clear for the UAW’s Michigan CAP General Board as to who should lead our state in this critical moment, when our vote needs leadership most.”