The New York State AFL-CIO, a coalition representing 3,000 unions and 2.5 million members, announced its endorsements for House races, notably abstaining from backing several prominent Democratic candidates. The group has opted to remain neutral in races featuring Daraliza Avila Chevalier, former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, and first-term Rep. Laura Gillen.
Avila Chevalier, who received backing from Zohran Mamdani, won the Democratic primary in the 11th district, covering parts of northern Manhattan and the Bronx, against incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat. Lander, also supported by Mamdani and progressive groups, defeated two-term Rep. Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary for House District 10, which includes lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.
While the AFL-CIO's neutrality in these overwhelmingly Democratic districts is unlikely to affect the general election outcomes, the decision regarding Gillen in Nassau County's battleground District 4 is considered a significant blow. Gillen is facing Republican challenger Jeanine Driscoll, and the labor federation's neutrality offers an advantage to the Republican candidate.
This stance contrasts with the AFL-CIO's 2024 endorsement of Gillen, who successfully defeated Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito in a rematch. At that time, Gillen stated she was honored by the endorsement and pledged to support union interests. The labor coalition has, however, endorsed other Democrats in competitive swing districts for the 2026 cycle, including Rep. Tom Suozzi in District 3 (Nassau County and Queens) and Cait Conley in District 17 (Hudson Valley) against Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, as well as other upstate Democratic incumbents.
The AFL-CIO also chose neutrality in the race for House District 2, where Republican Rep. Andrew Garbarino is running for re-election, and in the 11th District, where Staten Island Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis is seeking another term.
Despite the New York State AFL-CIO's collective neutrality, individual unions affiliated with the organization are still permitted to endorse candidates. The Gillen campaign has provided a list of unions that have offered their support, including New York State United Teachers, SEIU Local 32BJ, IBEW Local 3, CWA District 1, Amalgamated Transit Union, Sheet Metal Workers Local 28, Theatrical Stage Employees Local 1, and the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. The New York AFL-CIO declined to comment further on its endorsement decisions.