Texas AFL-CIO Announces 2024 Primary Endorsements

Labor organization backs candidates at federal, state, and local levels across Texas

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Texas AFL-CIO has released its endorsements for the 2024 primary elections, supporting candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and other statewide, congressional, and local offices. The endorsements signal the labor group's priorities heading into the pivotal election cycle.

Why it matters

The Texas AFL-CIO's endorsements carry significant weight, as the organization represents over 200,000 workers across the state. These endorsements could sway voter sentiment and provide crucial financial and organizational support for the endorsed candidates.

The details

The Texas AFL-CIO's Committee on Political Education (COPE) made the endorsements, which span federal, state, and local races. For statewide offices, the group endorsed Gina Hinojosa for governor, Marcos Isaias Vélez for lieutenant governor, and several other candidates for down-ballot positions. In congressional races, the AFL-CIO endorsed candidates in Districts 21, 23, and 35. At the state legislative level, the organization backed several Texas House and Senate candidates, including incumbents Roland Gutierrez and José Menéndez.

  • The Texas AFL-CIO announced its endorsements on February 14, 2026, ahead of the 2024 primary elections.

The players

Texas AFL-CIO

A labor federation representing over 200,000 workers across Texas, the Texas AFL-CIO made the endorsements through its Committee on Political Education (COPE).

Gina Hinojosa

A member of TSEU (CWA 6186), Hinojosa received the Texas AFL-CIO's endorsement for governor.

Marcos Isaias Vélez

The assistant director of USW District 13, Vélez is the Texas AFL-CIO's pick for lieutenant governor.

Roland Gutierrez

The incumbent Texas state senator in District 19 and a member of TSEU (CWA 6186), Gutierrez received the AFL-CIO's endorsement.

José Menéndez

The incumbent Texas state senator in District 26 and a member of TSEU (CWA 6186), Menéndez also received the AFL-CIO's endorsement.

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What’s next

As the election cycle progresses, it will be important to monitor how the Texas AFL-CIO's endorsements impact the outcomes of these races.

The takeaway

The Texas AFL-CIO's endorsements highlight the labor organization's influential role in shaping the political landscape in the state, as it backs candidates it believes will best represent the interests of its members and the broader working class.