The United Auto Workers, a Detroit-based union representing more than 400,000 workers nationwide, endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat — vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters — in a statement Friday. The UAW also endorsed incumbent Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the state’s gubernatorial race.
El-Sayed currently faces state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in the primary race. In their endorsement, the UAW wrote they believe El-Sayed is the ideal candidate to fight for workers rights in Washington, D.C, citing El-Sayed’s campaign focus on not accepting any money from corporate Political Action Committees.
“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,” the statement read. “Having never taken a dime from corporate PACs, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is someone we can trust to have our backs, including when we need it most – like come May Day 2028. From Medicare for All to banning stock buybacks, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is ready, eager, and well-equipped to move our core issues in the U.S. Senate.”
The UAW endorsement carries particularly heavy weight in Michigan, where one in five jobs belong to the auto industry. Michigan manufactures more cars than any other state in the nation, and more than 300,000 Michigan auto workers belong to the union.
In a press release, El-Sayed said he is proud to stand with the American middle class and highlighted his refusal of corporate money.
“Michigan union autoworkers built the American middle class and proved that when people stand together, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish,” El-Sayed said. “Unlike campaigns powered by corporate PAC money, AIPAC, and Washington insiders, our campaign is built alongside workers and union members. Together, we’re going to take on corporate greed, rebuild an economy that works for working people, strengthen collective bargaining, and ensure that the future of Michigan manufacturing is built right here by union workers.”
In their statement, the UAW also endorsed Benson for Michigan governor. The UAW referenced Benson’s experience as Michigan Secretary of State as reason for the endorsement.
“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 statement read. “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.”
In a post to X Friday, Benson wrote she is appreciative of the UAW endorsement and proud to have the organization’s support.
“The @UAW put Michigan — and the world — on wheels,” Benson wrote. “As governor, I’ll fight with them to lower costs, raise wages, and protect every community. I’m honored to have them in my corner – and I’ll always be in theirs.”
Daily Staff Reporter Jonah Feldman can be reached at jonahfel@umich.edu.
