By Mike Lee

Following the union’s rigorous screening process, the DC 37 Delegate body voted to endorse congressional, statewide, and New York State Senate and Assembly candidates for the June 23 Primary Election. The full slate includes 12 congressional districts, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and 82 New York State Senators and Assemblymembers.

The union has an extensive process for vetting candidates to ensure they serve DC 37 members’ best interests.

Only candidates who request the union’s endorsement will be considered. They must complete a comprehensive questionnaire about where they stand on issues impacting DC 37 members and are later interviewed by a screening committee comprised of the Political Action Committee (PAC) chair and 15 local presidents. The screening committee then makes endorsement recommendations to the Executive Board. If the latter approves, the candidate endorsement is presented to the DC 37 Delegate body for consideration.

“We must have those quality, labor-friendly candidates come before us because when issues such as Tier 6 or other legislation threatens our collective bargaining rights, we need elected officials who will stand side by side with us and fight for our agenda,” said Donald Nesbit, Local 372 Executive Vice President and DC 37 PAC Chair.

With the union’s full slate of primary endorsements set, DC 37 has activated the “Green Machine” with volunteer member organizers to engage its members in GOTV efforts for endorsed candidates.

“This is a crucial time to take a stand for democracy and justice, and our union is proud to support candidates who fight for our country and for working people,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37. “Since taking office, President Trump and his allies have wreaked havoc on the lives of millions of Americans while creating chaos abroad. We deserve leaders in Washington, D.C. and in Albany who will defend our rights, protect our freedoms, and stop the antiworker onslaught this administration unleashed.”

Click HERE to register to vote.

Early voting for the Democratic Primary Election is June 13-June 21, 2026. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Saturday, June 13

• Last day to register to vote in person
• Applications to register by mail must be received

Saturday, June 13 – Sunday, June 21

• Early Voting

Tuesday, June 23

• Primary Election Day
• Polls open from 6 a.m.-9 pm.

June Primary Election DC 37 Endorsements

Elections for U.S. Congress, State Comptroller, State Senate and State Assembly are on the line in the Democratic Primary. This is our opportunity to choose who will represent us in Washington, D.C., and Albany. Make your voice heard! View the full list of endorsements here.

This article originally appeared in the April-June 2026 issue of PEPTalk Magazine.