Democratic candidate for governor Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced an endorsement from a statewide labor group Thursday as candidates in the race for governor are touting key backers.
The labor group, Michigan Laborers’ District Council (LiUNA), represents over 15,000 members who build the state’s roads, bridges, transit and energy sources. LiUNA leaders in Michigan credited Benson with improving service at Secretary of State branches across the state and championing policies that benefit workers.
“Secretary Benson’s track record of getting things done speaks for itself. You can’t mention the Secretary of State’s office without someone saying how much better it runs and how thankful they are to have a leader who cares about their time and money,” Michigan District Council Business Manager Brent Pilarski said in a statement. “She’ll be a governor who gives workers a real seat at the table, and she’ll fight to bring the high-paying jobs my members need to live and succeed in Michigan.”
Pilarski criticized President Donald Trump’s tariffs and “chaotic and corrupt policies,” in his statement, saying Benson would work with labor groups to bring projects “that lift working people up, preserve prevailing wage.”
Arlander Washington, a business manager at Local 355, said Benson is the leader Michigan needs to continue the pro-worker progress its seen during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration.
Whitmer’s tenure as governor will end next year due to term limits.
“I’m so grateful to have the support of LiUNA and their 15,000 members across Michigan,” Benson said. “I share their grit, determination and dedication to building a state where everyone can thrive – and they know that in me they will have a Governor who sees them, hears them, and fights for them every day. Together we are building a coalition that will be poised to win next November, and then we will work to ensure every Michigander, no matter their zip code, has access to high paying jobs, affordable health care, world class public schools and safe workplaces. We will make Michigan the best place to be a kid, raise a kid, and call home – for everyone.”
Local 499 business manager Dan Minton said his support for Benson’s campaign comes from her commitment to expanding workforce training and union apprenticeship opportunities.
“For the kids who choose not to, or can’t afford to go to college, strong support from our next governor on these programs will help the next generation start off strong on their feet with a living wage and real-world skills, so they stay and live in Michigan,” Minton said in a statement. “We need that kind of leadership. Someone who can look past the partisan divide, focus on solutions, and bring people together to do what’s right for the state. That’s the kind of governor she’ll be.”
LiUNA is the latest labor union to support Benson’s campaign for governor, including UFCW Local 951 and 876, West Michigan Plumbers, PipeFitters, and HVAC Service UA Local 174, and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.
Also running as Democrats are Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who has also received endorsements from a number of labor groups, is running for governor as an independent after announcing last year he wouldn’t seek reelection.
Duggan has been endorsed by the Detroit Plumbers Local 98, Detroit Fire Fighters Association Local 344, Detroit Stage Employees Union, Detroit Police Lieutenants and Sergeants and Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights.
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