The Texas AFL-CIO has announced a series of endorsements for the 2026 primary elections, backing candidates at the federal, state, and local levels. These endorsements, made by the Committee on Political Education (COPE), signal the labor organization’s priorities heading into a pivotal election cycle. In some races, the AFL-CIO has taken “no action,” allowing affiliated unions to endorse candidates independently.
Statewide Races
Gina Hinojosa, a member of TSEU (CWA 6186), received the Texas AFL-CIO’s endorsement for Governor. Marcos Isaias Vélez, Assistant Director of USW District 13, is the organization’s pick for Lieutenant Governor. Further down the ballot, the AFL-CIO is supporting Nathan Johnson for Attorney General, Sarah Eckhardt (too a member of TSEU CWA 6186) for Comptroller of Public Accounts, Jose Loya (a staff representative for USW District 13 and Veterans of Steel Coordinator) for Commissioner of General Land Office, Clayton Tucker for Agriculture Commissioner, and Jon Rosenthal for Railroad Commissioner.
The organization also endorsed candidates for the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals. Maggie Ellis (a member of AFSCME 1624 and TSEU CWA 6186) is backed for Texas Supreme Court, Place 1, while Chari Kelly (a member of AFSCME 1624) received the endorsement for Place 2. Holly Taylor, a member of AFSCME Texas Retiree Chapter 12, is the AFL-CIO’s choice for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9, and Marc Meyer, a retired member of IAFF 341, is endorsed for the 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3.
Congressional and Texas Legislative Races
For the U.S. House of Representatives, the Texas AFL-CIO endorsed Dr. Kristin Hook in District 21, Katy Padilla Stout in District 23, and issued dual endorsements for Johnny Garcia and John Lira in District 35. In the Texas Senate, Roland Gutierrez, the incumbent in District 19 and a member of TSEU (CWA 6186), received the endorsement, while the organization took “no action” in District 21. José Menéndez, the incumbent in District 26 and also a member of TSEU (CWA 6186), also received an endorsement.
Several Texas House candidates also received endorsements, including Robert Mihara in District 117, Kristian Carranza in District 118, Ryan Ayala in District 119, Jordan Brown (a member of Northside AFT) in District 120, Zack Dunn in District 121, and Diego Bernal (a member of TSEU CWA 6186) in District 123. “No action” was taken in Districts 122, 124, 125.
Local Races in Bexar County
The San Antonio AFL-CIO made endorsements in several local races. Shannon Locke was endorsed for District Attorney, and Stephanie Franco for District Judge, 187th District Court. Carlos Rodriguez Key received an endorsement for County Court at Law #14, and Carlos Quezada for Justice of the Peace P1 P1. “No action” was taken in the races for Bexar County Judge, Chief Justice of the 4th Court of Appeals, Bexar County Clerk, District Judges for the 45th, 224th, and 226th Districts, County Courts at Law #9, #10, #12, and #13, and Justice of the Peace P4 P1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “no action” mean in terms of endorsements?
“No action” means a vote was taken and the voting body decided not to endorse a specific candidate, allowing union affiliates to endorse at-will in that race.
Which candidate received the Texas AFL-CIO’s endorsement for Governor?
Gina Hinojosa, a member of TSEU (CWA 6186), received the Texas AFL-CIO’s endorsement for Governor.
Are all endorsements made by the same body?
Federal and state endorsements are made by the Texas AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education (COPE), while local race endorsements are made by the San Antonio AFL-CIO.
As the election cycle progresses, will these endorsements significantly impact the outcomes of these races?
