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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2025
Contact: ry...@anticipatepublicaffairs.com
Labor Rallies Behind Larson in First Wave of Union Endorsements: Over a Dozen Unions Across the First District Unite Behind His Re-Election
Labor is making it unmistakably clear: they won’t stand for anyone who threatens their jobs, their security, or their livelihoods. HARTFORD, CT – Today, over a dozen unions — representing nearly 40,000 workers across Connecticut — announced their support for Congressman John Larson’s re-election campaign. This is the first major wave of endorsements from labor unions, representing public-sector workers, machinists, health care employees, and others, underscoring the momentum and unity of a labor movement standing firmly behind a champion for working families.
The endorsements include the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1164, AFGE Local 2138, AFGE Local 1674, Connecticut Building Trades, Greater Hartford Building Trades, Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (SMART), National Association of Government Employees/International Brotherhood of Police Officers (NAGE/IBPO) Local R1-109, and others listed below — with additional labor support rolling out in the weeks ahead.
At a time when costs are rising and jobs are on the line, labor is backing the candidate who secures investments, protects benefits, and keeps union workers on the job — not someone who threatens their livelihoods.
Congressman Larson thanked workers for their support and pledged to continue delivering for the district: “I am honored and humbled to have Connecticut workers behind me. I grew up in a working-class household and I’ve spent my life fighting to protect the dignity of work and standing with our workers. From defending collective bargaining rights to creating good-paying union jobs, I have always been in labor’s corner. Now, as Trump and his allies intensify their attacks on unions and working families, we need leaders who fight for workers every single day, not just when it’s convenient.” The full list of endorsements and supporters include:
AFGE Local 2138 AFGE Local 1674 AFGE Local 1164 NAGE/IBPO Local R1-109 International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Sheet Metal Workers Local 40 Greater Hartford Building Trades Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) CT Richard Bonzani, Organizing Field Director, International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) International Joe Toner, Executive Director, Connecticut State Building Trades Council Steve Dodd, Director of Government Affairs, SMART Keith Brothers, Business Manager, Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) CT and President of the Connecticut State Building Trades Council Pat Buzzee, President, CT Council of Machinists John Harrity, former President, CT Council of Machinists Jeff Santini, Directing Business Representative, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 26 Howard Huestis, President, IAM Local Lodge 1746
From public housing to Capitol Hill, Congressman Larson has dedicated his life to fighting for working families. Growing up in public housing in East Hartford, as the son of a union firefighter at Pratt & Whitney, Larson learned early what it means to work hard and fight for dignity on the job. These values have guided him every day in Congress, driving him to deliver real, tangible wins for working families: Took on Starbucks and stood with their workers–calling out union-busting, supporting striking baristas, and demanding a fair contract from the CEO. Stood on the picket line with IAM machinists seeking a fair contract and UAW workers standing up for the pay, sick leave, and job security they deserve. Saved over 15,000 union jobs at Pratt & Whitney by protecting the F135 engine. Wrote and secured union job incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act — tying good jobs to clean energy. Blocked Trump’s attacks on workers and Social Security, defended pensions, and protected earned benefits for retirees.
Defended collective bargaining, helping to build a bipartisan coalition to force a vote that passed the House to hold Trump accountable and restore rights for federal workers, and passing the PRO Act in the House.
Larson’s leadership and position of power in Congress garnered more federal funding for Connecticut last year than any other member of the state’s delegation, directly supporting jobs and economic growth.
While Congressman Larson has spent decades fighting for workers, Luke Bronin has an anti-labor history. After working as a corporate lawyer for a massive insurance company, when Bronin became Hartford mayor, the first budget he proposed went after the city’s workforce. Union busting: During his budget crisis in Hartford, one of Bronin’s first moves was a power grab to undermine labor. Sgt. Richard Holton, President of the Hartford Police Union, called it “union busting” as Bronin attempted to strip collective bargaining rights and consolidate power. Refused to negotiate with employees in a “productive or meaningful manner,” according to the president of the Hartford Firefighters Association.
Cut benefits and support for first responders, including firefighters and police. Bronin imposed a wage freeze, pushed workers onto a high-deductible health plan, reduced sick-leave benefits, increased pension contributions, and made it more difficult for frontline workers to retire. Chose developers over workers. Despite overseeing significant development across Harford, including Trinity Health Stadium, Bronin favored out-of-state developers instead of Connecticut businesses and failed to prioritize union workers and Project Labor Agreements, which would have delivered strong wages, benefits, and local job opportunities for workers in his town. Labor leaders condemned these choices, see below.
It’s for these reasons that labor told Bronin to “Stay Home,” ultimately sinking his bid for governor, and once again they’re sending him the same message. As Trump and his allies escalate their attacks on workers, unions across Connecticut are choosing the candidate who has always stood with them and who will continue delivering for working families in the First District. Today’s announcement marks the first wave of labor endorsements, with more support set to roll out in the coming weeks. Combined with nearly a dozen endorsements from local, state, and federal leaders last week, labor is helping build an even broader and stronger coalition behind Congressman Larson.
Here’s what labor leaders are saying: Joe Toner, Executive Director of the Connecticut State Building Trades Council Council: "As the President of the Hartford Building Trades while Luke Bronin was mayor, I saw firsthand who fought for workers and who didn’t. Luke consistently put developers first, refusing to secure even a single new PLA during a massive construction boom that could have created real union jobs for our community. "While Bronin shut us out, Congressman Larson stepped up to help us in Hartford — leading the fight to secure a PLA for the $335 million courthouse. John understands the value of putting our people to work because he comes from the same neighborhoods and the same working-class background as the men and women in the building trades. We proudly endorse him because he knows us and is one of us." International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (Link) “[...] Your passionate advocacy for working families over a storied career has made you not just an ally to our organization, but a true friend. Our members in Connecticut’s First District know that you have been steadfast in your commitment to labor standards, worker protections, prevailing wages, and the right to organize and bargain collectively. “On the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, your work to ensure that strong labor standards were included in the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits created union jobs building the energy of the future, supporting training for thousands of young workers in our gold-standard union apprenticeship program. Beyond the IRA, your votes for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and CHIPS and Science Act made real investments in the lives and livelihoods of construction workers nationwide while strengthening our economy. [...] “The fight for working people and the union way of life continues; we are committed to working with you and your campaign for victory in this election and to strengthen our partnership in Congress.” Steve McQuade, President of NAGE/IBPO Local R1-109: "Congressman Larson has consistently stood with federal employees and law enforcement professionals, championing fair treatment, workplace protections, and the resources we need to serve our Veterans, their families and our community with integrity. His unwavering commitment to labor rights and public service reflects the values of our union, and we are confident he will continue to be a powerful advocate for our members in Washington." Sandra Salmon, President of AFGE Local 2138: “When the Department of Veterans Affairs ripped up our union contract, John Larson stood with us to fight back. He’s been speaking out every day to restore our collective bargaining rights and protect the veterans who depend on us. Whether we’re fighting Donald Trump, Doug Collins, or anyone else, we know Congressman Larson is in our corner. He’s always made us the priority and been an active voice — even when it wasn’t convenient — and we’re proud to stand with him.” Sherron Burke-Gilliam, President of AFGE Local 1674: “Congressman Larson has been a champion for federal workers and the veterans our members serve in Newington and West Haven. When President Trump and Secretary Collins terminated our bargaining agreements, John Larson stood with us to speak out and fight back. He’s fighting every day to end this president’s union-busting spree and stand up for the rights of every worker. AFGE Local 1674 is proud to stand with John and fully endorse his re-election campaign.” Camillie Piñeiro, President of AFGE Local 1164: “Congressman Larson is the leading voice in the defense of Social Security. He has introduced legislation to expand benefits and protect the Social Security Trust Funds. He has fought against cuts in benefits in the form of office closures, hiring freezes, longer wait times on the phones and for appointments. Most of all, he is and has been steadfast in his opposition to privatizing the Social Security Administration. John Larson is a champion for Social Security because he understands the importance of the program for the financial security of the residents of his district, the state of Connecticut and the American people in general. AFGE Local 1164 proudly endorses Congressman John B. Larson and will mobilize our members in support of his reelection.” Nate Brown, Business Manager, International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union 478 “Congressman Larson doesn’t just talk about supporting labor — he proves it. He shows up on the picket lines, fights alongside us in Washington, and delivers the investments that keep operating engineers working. John knows our members, and understands that our workers deserve respect and the resources they need to do their jobs — not cuts or shortcuts. He’s proven he knows how to deliver for us, and he’s the partner we trust." Mike Grabowski, President of the Greater Hartford Building Trades Council: “John Larson has always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the building trades. He secured $16 million for CCAT’s new headquarters and is making sure that project has a PLA. And when the One Big Beautiful Bill Act threatened to destroy thousands of union jobs, John fought back and stood with us. That’s the kind of unwavering support our members can count on now and in the future.” Keith Brothers, President of the Connecticut State Building Trades Council “When it comes to delivering, now and in the future, for Greater Hartford’s working families, John Larson gets results. He helped pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, bringing $6 billion in federal infrastructure funding to Connecticut. That funding means more projects, more work for our members, and stronger communities built by union labor.” |
