Public workers union AFSCME says midterm wins give Congress a mandate to lower costs

WASHINGTON — The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees said Wednesday that its members’ campaigning helped candidates it calls pro-worker win control of both the U.S. House and Senate in Tuesday’s midterm elections, and that the new Congress now has a mandate to lower costs and support working people.

The labor union, which represents public service and health care workers across the country, said in a Nov. 4 post that by Wednesday morning both chambers had pro-worker majorities that were “continuing to grow.”

“This election victory was defined by a single issue – the fact that working families can’t get ahead, no matter how hard they work,” AFSCME President Patrick Moran said. “Voters sent a clear message that they are fed up with a rigged economy that cuts taxes for billionaires and asks the rest of us to foot the bill.”

According to the union, its members held town halls, wrote letters, made phone calls and knocked on doors in the run-up to the election. AFSCME said that work drove voters to the polls in Michigan, New Mexico, Iowa, Ohio, Nevada, Texas, Arizona and other states.

“This victory gives Congress a clear mandate: It’s time to lower costs, rein in billionaires, and support workers,” Moran said.

The union said it expects the new majorities to fully fund public services, reverse cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other programs made by the tax-and-spending law Republicans called the “Big Beautiful Bill,” and strengthen the right to join a union and bargain collectively.

“Now it’s time for these candidates to deliver change,” Moran said. “AFSCME members expect action.”

Beyond Congress, AFSCME said candidates it backed will hold new trifectas — control of the governor’s office and both legislative chambers — in at least six states: Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The union also pointed to wins in governor’s races in Georgia, Iowa, Nevada, Ohio and Texas, states where it said anti-worker politicians have traditionally dominated, and said more shifts could follow as additional races are called.

AFSCME’s New Jersey affiliate represents state, county and municipal workers across the state.

This report is based on information from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees