UFCW members from over 25 locals spent months knocking on doors and making phone calls for pro-union candidates and issues. Last Tuesday, that work paid off as Democrats secured both chambers of Congress, and union-backed candidates won governor’s races, attorney general contests, and state legislative seats across the country.
The UFCW Legislative and Political Action Department spearheaded the grassroots effort to support pro-worker candidates and initiatives. Members engaged in over 62,000 conversations, both in person and over the phone. A robust digital campaign reached millions more voters.
“We are proud of the UFCW members, who knocked on doors, attended rallies, and drove voter turnout from coast-to-coast, and without whom these victories could not have happened, said UFCW International President Milton Jones. “Their tireless efforts this year prove that our greatest strength lies in our solidarity.
“American workers sent a resounding message that they are ready for a new path,” he continued. “Now lawmakers have a mandate to tackle affordability and protect working Americans.”
Banning predatory pricing in grocery stores, protecting worker safety, and ending chaotic immigration enforcement are top legislative priorities for the International in the new year, Jones added.
Across the country, UFCW’s local leaders are highlighting the issues that matter most for their members. In Wisconsin, that means reversing policies that weaken collective bargaining power.
“After essentially three decades of Republican control, Wisconsinites made history and flipped the state legislature by electing a slate of candidates who will fight for working people,” said UFCW Local 1473 President Jake Bailey. “With Governor-elect Crowley, this new direction in Madison can overturn the ‘Right to Work For Less’ law that has harmed workers here for more than a decade. Workers in our state have felt this pain for too long; it’s time to end it.”
Meanwhile, working people in Iowa who are reeling from the financial pain caused by current policies are celebrating the midterm results.
In a joint statement, UFCW Local 222IN President Leo Kanne, UFCW Local 431 President Simplice Kuelo, and UFCW Local 1846 President Brian Ulin said they look forward to working with the newly elected pro-worker candidates to deliver results for their members.
“Our state has felt the impact of the Trump administration’s tariff war and the war in Iran, which has hurt our farmers, jacked up diesel prices, and cut off export markets for the meatpackers that employ thousands of UFCW members.
“Iowans voted for change. We look forward to working with Governor-elect Sand, Senator-elect Turek, and all newly elected pro-worker candidates in Iowa to deliver that change for our state.”
Across the country, voters are calling on the newly elected leaders to back policies that tackle affordability. In Nevada, that issue is top of mind for UFCW Local 711 President Mike Gittings.
“The last two elections have shown that high prices continue to put a strain on family budgets,” he said. “The legislature’s first goal should be curbing predatory pricing that rips off shoppers and banning electronic shelf labels, the technology that facilitates these tactics in our state’s retail stores. By tackling these issues now, lawmakers can prevent future price hikes and protect good grocery jobs.”
Wins in Texas and Kansas bring hope for essential workers facing threats and harassment from immigration officers.
“Workers deserve leaders who will lower the cost of living, create good jobs, and protect their communities,” said UFCW Local 455 President Brandon Hopkins, UFCW Local 540 President Felipe Mendez, and UFCW Local 1000 President Ricky Burris in a joint statement addressing the Texas election results.
“We know that Governor-elect Hinojosa and Senator-elect Talarico will fight for UFCW members in our state’s meatpacking plants, grocery stores, and other essential workplaces. We look forward to working with them and all pro-worker candidates in Texas.”
UFCW Local 2 President Martin Rosas recalled the mayhem caused by the heavy-handed immigration crackdown in Kansas.
“Less than two months ago, the Trump administration brought chaos and fear into our communities and disrupted our beef and agricultural industries when it deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents into Southwestern Kansas,” he said. “But Kansans are resilient, and they will continue to stand united against politicians whose actions weaken our state, just like they did last night.”