How Democrats Won Back Union Voters

Posted on 11/12/2026
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After years of shrinking margins with union households, Democrats saw a major rebound in the 2026 midterms. But organized labor remains politically divided. From the Teamsters’ decision not to endorse a presidential candidate in 2024 to the UAW’s extensive organizing efforts in Michigan, CNBC’s Alex Harring examines the changing relationship between unions and Democrats and whether the party can sustain its advantage in 2028.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:41 The reversal
2:01 Michigan
3:13 The bigger picture
4:19 The 2028 question

Produced and Shot by: Charlotte Morabito
Reporter: Alex Harring
Edited by: Andrea Miller
Additional Editing: Romy Tarantino
Animation: Jason Reginato, Emily Park
Senior Managing Producer: Shawn Baldwin
Additional Footage: Getty Images

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How Democrats Won Back Union Voters