Union Endorsements 101 for Political Candidates

Table of contents

1. Democrats and Labor Unions

2. Why Does Getting a Union Endorsement Matter?

3. Where to Start?

4. The Bottom Line

Today, we’re coming to you with another 101 memo – this time on union endorsements, and why building genuine relationships with unions can help your campaign succeed. Before we get any further, though, a quick reminder that a free course on Earning Support from PACs and Labor Unions lives just a click away.

Democrats and Labor Unions

Let’s talk about why Democrats are already better positioned to build relationships with unions and receive their endorsements than most Republicans. Yes, even now.

*All* of the federal officials who keep a 100% lifetime ranking on the AFL-CIO’s Legislative Scorecard are Democrats. Sorting the list by score, you’ll scroll through more than 10 pages of Representatives before you see the first Republican. Because Democrats historically trend toward pro-labor policies, causes, and votes, winning a union endorsement will probably already line up with your values as a candidate. That is to say, your policies are probably what unions are likely looking to endorse! So it’s a matter of growing the connection, understanding the process, and then respectfully asking for their support.

But let’s be clear. You should not expect a union’s endorsement simply because you are a Democrat. A union’s job is not to elect Democrats. Its role is to advocate for the well-being of its members, which happens to align with Democratic values most of the time. You’ll have to dedicate the time to showing up and understanding their needs. (We know. You’re wondering why, then, working class voters consistently shifted toward the Republican party. We’re going to say that has more to do with messaging than policy or endorsements – an article for another day.)

Why Does Getting a Union Endorsement Matter?

For starters, unions likely represent hundreds, if not thousands of working folks in your district. So when a union endorses a candidate, it’s a signal to voters that the candidate is pro-labor and supportive of policy that benefits working families. An endorsement introduces voters – especially non-college educated working class voters, who still make up the majority of the electorate – to your platform. It’s a stamp of approval that indicates who you’d look out for and advocate for in office, and shows a solid background of understanding, trust, and mutual respect between the two. When voters are on the fence, a union endorsement is a third-party validation that you’ll fight for policies that benefit those who aren’t independently wealthy and work for a living. (In other words, most of us.)

Unions are organizing bodies, and they’re a major reason why we now enjoy the norms of the 9 to 5 workday, child labor laws, and weekends, to name a few examples. Their purpose is to be able to reach and mobilize more people faster, which means support in the form of a union endorsement can result in the canvassing, phone banks, mobilization, field game, and reach that can make the difference between a good campaign and a winning campaign. And, yes, some will make financial contributions to the campaigns they endorse – but they’re not a cash machine. The bottom line is they can turn out their members for you.

Where to Start? 

Your first step is to find out what unions are active in your area and who they represent. Then, find out what’s important to them. Whether they operate at the state or local level, or represent teachers or service employees, each will have their own policy priorities and endorsement processes. Understanding their specific concerns and requirements helps you start a conversation that can turn into a mutually beneficial relationship.

Most unions have set processes for endorsements that include questionnaires and interviews. You’ll have time to prepare your answers on topics like wages, workplace safety laws, and collective bargaining rights. Our Policy Research Activity Worksheet can help you do your homework ahead of time in terms of where local Democrats stand at different levels of government, and how this affects your local community.

Finally, invest in a long-term relationship. Get to know local union members and request meetings with their leadership. Show up for their events and even picket lines if you truly support the cause. Find out what’s important to them. Unions and union members are the same as every other voter when it comes to the ballot box – they’re not going to vote for you if they don’t feel respected, heard, or valued. And they’re not going to vote for you if they don’t see your relationship as mutually beneficial.

The Bottom Line

For Democratic candidates whose values already align, union endorsements can offer credibility, visibility, and resources to campaigns. And Democrats need to earn their trust and support to sustain long-lasting relationships with unions that can win with working class voters.

The work of building a pro-labor campaign shouldn’t stop once you land an endorsement. Start nurturing those relationships now, genuinely. Because strong campaigns are built on strong coalitions, and unions remain one of the most organized and effective political forces at Democrats’ disposal.

Don’t forget that our in-depth course, Earning Support from PACs and Labor Unions, is waiting for you to get started. For prospective future candidates, consider taking our signature course So You Think You Want To Run for free. And as always, our website is stockpiled with more career and campaign resources to power you to a win.