San Antonio, Texas, February 12, 2026
In a significant shift from tradition, Texas labor unions are split in their endorsements for the gubernatorial election. The Teamsters Joint Councils 58 and 80 have endorsed Republican Governor Greg Abbott for a fourth term, while the Texas AFL-CIO supports Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa. This division represents an evolving political landscape among unions, highlighting the contrasting priorities and affiliations within organized labor in Texas as the election approaches.
San Antonio, Texas – Labor Unions Split Over Governor’s Race Endorsements
San Antonio, Texas – In a notable shift from traditional alignments, Texas labor unions are divided in their endorsements for the upcoming gubernatorial election. The Teamsters Joint Council 58 and Joint Council 80, representing 40,000 workers statewide, have endorsed Republican Governor Greg Abbott for a record fourth term. This marks a significant departure from the unions’ historical support for Democratic candidates. Other major unions, including the Texas AFL-CIO, continue to back Democratic challenger State Representative Gina Hinojosa.
Teamsters’ Support for Abbott
The Teamsters’ endorsement of Abbott highlights a changing political landscape within organized labor. The organization emphasized Abbott’s open-door policy and support for job training programs as key factors in their decision. They prioritize collaboration with leaders committed to improving the lives of working families, regardless of political affiliation.
Texas AFL-CIO’s Endorsement of Hinojosa
In contrast, the Texas AFL-CIO, the state’s largest labor federation with over 250,000 members, has endorsed Hinojosa. The organization criticized Abbott’s tenure, arguing that it has not improved the standing of labor unions in Texas. The AFL-CIO framed the election as a choice between workers and billionaires, underscoring their commitment to supporting candidates who advocate for labor rights and working families.
Historical Context
Historically, Texas labor unions have leaned Democratic, reflecting the party’s traditional support for workers’ rights and union interests. The recent endorsements signify a potential realignment, influenced by various factors, including Abbott’s policies and the evolving priorities of union members. Experts suggest that the split may also be attributed to the differing focuses of public sector unions, which tend to favor Democrats, and private sector unions, which may have more varied political preferences.
Implications for the Gubernatorial Race
The division among labor unions could have significant implications for the gubernatorial race. Abbott’s endorsements from prominent unions may bolster his campaign, especially among working-class voters who value job creation and economic growth. Conversely, Hinojosa’s backing by the Texas AFL-CIO and other unions underscores her support for labor rights and could energize voters concerned about workers’ protections and fair wages.
Conclusion
The contrasting endorsements from Texas labor unions reflect a complex and evolving political landscape. As the election approaches, the influence of these endorsements will become clearer, potentially shaping the future of labor relations and political alignments in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which labor unions have endorsed Governor Greg Abbott for re-election?
The Teamsters Joint Council 58 and Joint Council 80, representing 40,000 workers across Texas, have endorsed Governor Greg Abbott for a record fourth term. Other unions, such as the Plumbers Local Union 68, International Longshoremen South Atlantic & Gulf Coast District Association, and the Pipefitters Local Union 211, have also backed Abbott.
Which labor unions are supporting Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa?
The Texas AFL-CIO, the state’s largest labor federation with over 250,000 members, has endorsed State Representative Gina Hinojosa. Additionally, the Service Employees International Union-Texas has also backed Hinojosa.
What factors influenced the Teamsters’ endorsement of Governor Abbott?
The Teamsters cited Governor Abbott’s open-door policy and support for job training programs as key factors in their decision to endorse him. They emphasized the importance of collaboration with leaders committed to improving the lives of working families, regardless of political affiliation.
How have Texas labor unions traditionally aligned politically?
Historically, Texas labor unions have leaned Democratic, reflecting the party’s traditional support for workers’ rights and union interests. The recent endorsements signify a potential realignment, influenced by various factors, including Abbott’s policies and the evolving priorities of union members.
What are the potential implications of these labor union endorsements for the gubernatorial race?
The division among labor unions could have significant implications for the gubernatorial race. Abbott’s endorsements from prominent unions may bolster his campaign, especially among working-class voters who value job creation and economic growth. Conversely, Hinojosa’s backing by the Texas AFL-CIO and other unions underscores her support for labor rights and could energize voters concerned about workers’ protections and fair wages.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Labor Union Endorsements | Teamsters Joint Council 58 and Joint Council 80 endorse Governor Greg Abbott; Texas AFL-CIO endorses Gina Hinojosa. |
| Historical Context | Traditional Democratic leanings of Texas labor unions; recent shift in endorsements. |
| Implications for the Gubernatorial Race | Potential impact of divided labor support on the election outcome. |
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