UAW Endorses Former UAW Member Troy Jackson for U.S. Senate
UAW Region 9A local unions in Maine unanimously voted to endorse former UAW member Troy Jackson to represent Mainers in the United States Senate.
Troy is the labor candidate. He is a fifth-generation logger, card-carrying member of multiple unions, and former member of UAW Local 2320. This week, he was also endorsed by the Maine AFL-CIO. From his time as a union leader to his time as a legislator and President of the Maine Senate, Troy has put working class issues front and center. His campaign will continue building the movement of working Mainers fighting against economic inequality and a broken political status quo.
UAW Region 9A represents nearly 2,000 workers in Maine, including marine draftsmen at Bath Iron Works, nonprofit employees, workers at the Portland Museum of Art, and graduate employees across the University of Maine System. Together, our members are part of a growing movement of working-class people demanding an economy that works for everyone—not just the wealthy few—and standing behind candidates who fight for dignity, fairness, and justice for all workers.
The UAW’s Maine Community Action Program (CAP) Council, composed of leaders from each of UAW’s local unions in Maine, unanimously voted to endorse Troy’s Senate campaign after previously endorsing him for Governor. Troy joined UAW Local 3999 members on strike at Bath Iron Works in March and rallied with the University of Maine Graduate Workers Union in their fight for a fair first contract. UAW members are already joining Troy on the campaign trail.
“Troy will fight like hell for labor, because he comes from labor,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “UAW members all over Maine are ready to support his campaign and deliver the change working class people demand.”
UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla added, “Troy has shown up time after time for our members, from the strike at Bath Iron Works to the campaign for a first contract at the University of Maine to supporting the organizing efforts at museums. If that’s any indication, we know he will go to Washington to fight for working people and expand organizing.”
“Tens of thousands of volunteers and 150,000 voters voted for healthcare as a right, housing that isn't a commodity, an economy that isn't rigged for billionaires and corporations, along with real support for workers and veterans,” said Trent Vellela, chairperson of the UAW’s Maine CAP Council from Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association (BMDA-UAW Local 3999). “We as a Council believe Troy represents Maine voters and values.”
The Maine Democratic Party will hold a nominating convention on Saturday, July 25. UAW members are encouraged to sign up to run for delegate in their counties by Wednesday, July 15, at 5 PM. The Democratic nominee will take on anti-union Senator Susan Collins in the general election on Tuesday, November 3.