AFSCME Says Backed Candidates Win Congress, Six Trifectas

The public-sector union said its endorsed candidates won control of both chambers of Congress and will hold new state trifectas in at least six states.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Unions

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a plain columned civic building with a lone flagpole in deep red and cream, evoking institutional political power. — Candidates backed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees won control of both chambers of Congress and will hold new trifectas in at least six states, the union said. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) said candidates it backed won control of the U.S. House and Senate in the midterm elections. The union said its candidates will also hold new trifectas in at least six states.

Why it matters

The union credited its campaign of town halls, letters, phone calls and door-knocking with driving turnout, and said the outcome gives pro-worker majorities a path to shape federal and state policy. The result matters for national policy on public services, safety-net programs and labor law.

AFSCME said its endorsed candidates won governor's races in Georgia, Iowa, Nevada, Ohio and Texas and will hold trifectas in Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The union did not provide vote tallies, and the source does not detail how many seats changed hands.

The players

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

A public-sector labor union representing workers employed by state, county and municipal governments across the United States.

The details

AFSCME members held town halls, wrote letters, made phone calls and knocked on doors before the election, which the union said drove voters to the polls in Michigan, New Mexico, Iowa, Ohio, Nevada, Texas and Arizona. The union attributed the result to working families being unable to get ahead despite working hard.

Nov. 4, 2026: Midterm elections held and AFSCME posted its statement on the results.
Nov. 5, 2026: AFSCME said pro-worker majorities were continuing to grow.

Politics Context

AFSCME's campaign relied on the in-person organizing methods it described, including town halls, letters, phone calls and door-knocking. The union projects the new majorities will fully fund public services, reverse Medicaid and SNAP cuts, and strengthen the right to join a union and bargain collectively.

The union projects that restoring full public-service funding and reversing Medicaid and SNAP cuts would affect households relying on those programs. Whether any of these changes take effect depends on legislation that has not yet been introduced or passed.

The takeaway

Public-sector union members who organize directly with voters can influence who wins office, which in turn determines the policies governing public services and labor rights. Readers following these policy changes should watch for specific bills and state actions as they are introduced.