How Democrats Won Back Union Voters

After years of shrinking margins with union households, Democrats saw a major rebound in the 2026 midterms. But organized labor remains politically divided. From the Teamsters’ decision not to endorse a presidential candidate in 2024 to the UAW’s extensive organizing efforts in Michigan, CNBC’s Alex Harring examines the changing relationship between unions and Democrats and whether the party can sustain its advantage in 2028.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

0:41 The reversal

2:01 Michigan

3:13 The bigger picture

4:19 The 2028 question

Produced and Shot by: Charlotte Morabito

Reporter: Alex Harring

Edited by: Andrea Miller

Additional Editing: Romy Tarantino

Animation: Jason Reginato, Emily Park

Senior Managing Producer: Shawn Baldwin

Additional Footage: Getty Images

» Subscribe to CNBC: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBC

» Subscribe to CNBC TV: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBCtelevision

About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more.

Want to get ahead at work? Then you need to learn how to make effective small talk. In CNBC’s new online course, How To Talk To People At Work, expert instructors teach you how to use everyday conversation to gain visibility, build meaningful relationships and advance your career. Sign up now: https://cnb.cx/4sGlSkh

Connect with CNBC News Online

Get the latest news: https://www.cnbc.com/

Follow CNBC on LinkedIn: https://cnb.cx/LinkedInCNBC

Follow CNBC News on Instagram: https://cnb.cx/InstagramCNBC

Follow CNBC News on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBC

Follow CNBC on Threads: https://cnb.cx/threads

Follow CNBC News on X: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBC

Follow CNBC on WhatsApp: https://cnb.cx/WhatsAppCNBC

#cnbc

How Democrats Won Back Union Voters