Transit Union Refuses to Endorse NY Governor Hochul

Union president says Hochul is "not a trade-union supporting Governor" and "a disaster for blue-collar New York"

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The International Transport Workers Union, representing 60,000 subway, rail, bus and airline workers in New York, announced it will not endorse Governor Kathy Hochul's re-election campaign. Union president John Samuelsen criticized Hochul for vetoing legislation requiring two-person crews on trains, opposing bills to boost worker pensions, and supporting the MTA requiring workers to pay more for health care. Samuelsen said Hochul is "a straight-up enemy of the TWU and a disaster for blue-collar New York" and the union will "not support her simply because she's a `Democrat."

Why it matters

The transit union's refusal to endorse Hochul is a significant blow, as the TWU represents a large and influential bloc of voters in New York. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Hochul and labor unions over issues like worker protections and benefits. This could impact the governor's re-election campaign and the broader political dynamics in the state.

The details

Samuelsen, the TWU president, said in a letter to union members that Hochul "is not a trade-union supporting Governor, she is the Bosses' Governor." He cited her veto of a bill requiring two-person train crews, her opposition to bills boosting worker pensions, and her support for the MTA requiring workers to pay more for health care. Samuelsen also accused Hochul of ordering the DMV not to renew the commercial driver's licenses of some immigrant transport workers.

  • In 2022, TWU Local 100 endorsed Hochul's re-election campaign.
  • The TWU's current 3-year labor contract with the MTA expires on May 16, 2026.

The players

John Samuelsen

President of the International Transport Workers Union, which represents 60,000 subway, rail, bus and airline workers in New York.

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York, who is seeking re-election.

Bruce Blakeman

The Republican gubernatorial nominee in New York.

TWU Local 100

The local TWU union representing 41,000 mostly subway workers and bus operators in New York.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

The public benefit corporation that operates public transportation in the New York City area.

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What they’re saying

“She is not a trade-union supporting Governor, she is the Bosses' Governor.”

— John Samuelsen, President, International Transport Workers Union (Letter to TWU members)

“Gov. Hochul is a straight-up enemy of the TWU and a disaster for blue-collar New York. The International TWU will not just go along to get along. We will not support her simply because she's a `Democrat.'”

— John Samuelsen, President, International Transport Workers Union (Letter to TWU members)

“While she put riders and transit workers at risk, I stand shoulder to shoulder with @TWULocal100. Conductors are our eyes and ears and the first line of defense against crime.”

— Bruce Blakeman (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This dispute between Governor Hochul and the powerful transit union highlights the ongoing tensions between labor and political leaders in New York. It could have significant implications for Hochul's re-election campaign and the broader political dynamics in the state.