Endorsements
In the face of far-right attacks and corporate rule, HVALF mobilizes union workers to support pro-labor elected officials
HVALF represents over 22,000 union members across Washtenaw County and surrounding areas—a number that has grown 44 percent since April 2024. With 39 affiliate locals, HVALF speaks for a diverse and rapidly growing cross-section of workers: nurses, service employees, lecturers, researchers, transportation workers, healthcare professionals, and more.
We continue to fight for all workers, including those in non-affiliated unions like the building trades and MEA teachers. But our endorsement sends voters, candidates and policymakers a clear message: a united, fast-growing bloc of over 22,000 union members votes together on the issues that matter to working people, and we believe that you will be an ally in our efforts to advance those values and interests.
2026 Endorsements
Ann Arbor:
Yousef Rabhi – Ann Arbor Mayor;
Cynthia Harrison – Ann Arbor City Council Ward 1;
Ryan Bartholomew – Ann Arbor City Council Ward 3;
School Board: Becca Hogan, Brandon Smith, Aaron Puno, John Benson, and Rima Mohammad.
Ypsilanti:
Me’Chelle King – Ypsilanti City Council Ward 1;
Desirae Simmons – Ypsilanti City Council Ward 3.
Jackson:
Derek Dobies – Jackson Mayor;
Dual Endorsement: George Lyons & Nicole Hughes – Jackson County District Court Judge;
School Board: Tabitha Williams and Tyshon Gray.
Milan:
School Board: Gabe Burdette, Thomas Faro, and Angela Chidester.
Washtenaw County:
Alethia Battles– Washtenaw County Probate Court Judge
2026 Endorsement Process
April – Candidate questionnaires available, orientation sessions, filing deadlines, and first round of screenings.
May–June – Screenings for countywide, municipal, and judicial races. HVALF delegates confirm endorsements for primary elections.
July–August – Nonpartisan and school board filing deadlines. Questionnaires due for general election. Screenings and endorsement votes for school board and general election candidates.
November – Get Out the Vote (Nov 1–4) and General Election Day (Nov 5).
Endorsements for 2026 elections have closed. Contact Field Coordinator, Sharon Simonton, at sharon@huronvalleyalf.org to learn more.