Full Breakdown
UAW Endorses Benson for Governor, El-Sayed for Senate in Michigan 2026 Primaries
6/6/2026, 5:12:03 AM
UAW Endorsements and Election Timeline
On June 5 the United Auto Workers, representing hundreds of thousands of Michigan workers, endorsed Democrat Jocelyn Benson for governor and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed for the open U.S. Senate seat. The union called the races “critical” for the working class. The endorsements come less than three weeks before absentee ballots are mailed (June 25) ahead of the August 4 gubernatorial and August 5 Senate primaries. The Senate seat is open after Sen. Gary Peters declined a third term; the governor’s race is open because Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. Senate Democrats include El-Sayed, Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, with Republican Mike Rogers as the sole GOP challenger. In the governor’s contest, Benson faces Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, while independent former mayor Mike Duggan withdrew.
Key Candidates and Platforms
Benson, a two-term secretary of state, is framed as a defender of working-class Michiganders against powerful billionaires. El-Sayed, a former Detroit health official, backs Medicare for All, bans corporate stock buybacks and refuses corporate PAC money. Stevens, the incumbent Rep., brands herself a “manufacturing maven,” touts the “No Chinese Cars Act,” and accepts corporate PAC contributions. Swanson, the sheriff, positions himself as a union-friendly alternative.
Official Statements & Responses
The UAW praised Benson for standing up to “the most powerful billionaires” and called El-Sayed a “fighter” who will advance a “strong working-class agenda with moral clarity.” Stevens’ campaign highlighted her “No Chinese Cars Act,” pledged to protect auto jobs, and called her the “strongest member” on auto policy. Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has not responded publicly.
Criticism & Opposition
Brian Pannebecker, founder of Auto Workers for Trump, called UAW leadership “total socialist” and warned the endorsement could draw “anti-American” votes. Adrian Hemond, CEO of Grassroots Midwest, labeled the endorsement “crazy,” arguing Medicare for All threatens the union’s generous health benefits. Some rank-and-file members doubt the endorsement reflects their preferences, noting the union’s influence has shifted since 2016.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on how the endorsement will affect voter turnout; Hemond suggests limited impact, while the UAW claims it will energize members. No polling data is cited to measure the endorsement’s effect on either the Senate or gubernatorial contests.
Verbatim Quotes
- “UAW members in Michigan want a fighter in Washington, D.C., who isn’t afraid to push forward a strong working-class agenda with moral clarity,” — United Auto Workers
- “The billionaire class is out of control,” — Shawn Fain, UAW president
- “UAW leadership has become “total socialist,” Pannebecker wrote on X.” — Brian Pannebecker, Auto Workers for Trump
- “I absolutely think it’s a hit for her campaign and a boost for El-Sayed,” — Jessica Taylor, Cook Political Report
What’s Next
Absentee ballots will be mailed June 25; the August 4 and August 5 primaries will decide the Democratic nominees. Both Benson and El-Sayed face intensified campaigning as labor-aligned voters weigh the UAW endorsements against Republican messaging and intra-union criticism.
