In an election year, Texas unions traditionally aligned with the opposition are publicly supporting Republican Governor Greg Abbott's bid for re-election.
In November 2026, Texas residents will vote for their representatives for the next four years. Governor Greg Abbott has confirmed his intention to seek re-election, and this has led to unexpected endorsements from various labor unions historically aligned with the opposition. These unions include Teamsters Joint Council 58 and 80, which represent 40,000 workers, as well as the Local Plumbers Union 68 and the Local Pipefitters Union 211, among others. This shift in support highlights a significant change in the alignment of worker interests in Texas politics.
The decision by these unions to support Abbott is particularly noteworthy given their long-standing opposition to Republican leadership in the past. This endorsement comes at a time when Abbott is facing challenges from State Representative Gina Hinojosa, who has positioned herself as a strong opponent. The backing from powerful unions indicates that Abbott has made inroads into a segment of the electorate that traditionally does not favor Republican candidates. It raises questions about the changing dynamics of political support among working-class voters in the state.
Such endorsements could have significant implications for the upcoming election. They suggest that workers may prioritize job security and economic stability over partisan alignments, particularly in a challenging economic climate. Abbott’s re-election campaign may benefit from these endorsements, signaling a potential shift in voter expectations and allegiance in Texas's competitive political landscape ahead of the November polls.
