The New York AFL-CIO announced its endorsements for House races on August 27, 2026, and did not endorse several Democratic candidates, including Daraliza Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander, and Laura Gillen. The organization, which represents 3,000 affiliated unions and 2.5 million members, chose to remain neutral in these races.
Avila Chevalier previously ousted veteran Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary for the 11th district, which includes northern Manhattan and the Bronx. Lander, also supported by Mamdani and the progressive left, won against two-term Rep. Dan Goldman in the House District 10 Democratic primary, covering lower Manhattan and brownstone Brooklyn.
While the AFL-CIO's decision is not expected to affect Avila Chevalier and Lander in their overwhelmingly Democratic districts, the lack of endorsement for Gillen, who is seeking re-election in Nassau County's District 4, is seen as a setback. Gillen is facing Republican Jeanine Driscoll in the general election.
Democratic sources expressed confusion over the AFL-CIO's decision not to support Gillen, especially given the Democrats' potential to regain the House majority. The AFL-CIO had previously endorsed Gillen in 2024 when she defeated Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito.
Gillen expressed gratitude for the AFL-CIO's past endorsement, stating, "I am so honored to be endorsed by New York State AFL-CIO, which represents 3,000 unions throughout NY. Unions built Long Island’s middle class, and I will always stand with them in the fight for fair wages, good benefits, and safe working conditions."
Despite the AFL-CIO's neutrality, its affiliated unions can still endorse candidates. The Gillen campaign has highlighted endorsements from various unions, including New York State United Teachers, SEIU Local 32BJ, and IBEW Local 3.
The labor coalition also endorsed one Republican, Rep. Andrew Garbarino in Long Island’s House District 2, and remained neutral in the 11th District, where Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis is running for re-election.