Vermont AFL-CIO Convention Mobilizes Labor Behind Proposal 3 and 2026 Endorsements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2026
Vermont AFL-CIO Convention Mobilizes Labor Behind Proposal 3 and 2026 Endorsements
Randolph, VT- The Vermont AFL-CIO marked its 60th anniversary this weekend at its 2026 Annual Convention at Vermont State University in Randolph, bringing together union leaders and members from across the state to strengthen the labor movement, adopt new policy priorities, and make its first round of endorsements for the 2026 elections.
More than 50 delegates from 19 affiliates met to discuss amendments to the VT AFL-CIO constitution. After debate, four resolutions were adopted supporting policy initiatives. The body heard from union members seeking elected office for the first time, and endorsed 50 candidates across Vermont.
Among the resolutions adopted were measures to strengthen union organizing and increase union density, support for achieving universal health care in Vermont, and promote Common Good Bargaining, an approach that aligns collective bargaining campaigns with the broader needs of workers and their communities.
Delegates also overwhelmingly approved a resolution committing each affiliated union to recruit volunteers equal to at least one percent of its membership for the Labor-to-Labor campaign supporting Proposal 3, the constitutional amendment that would guarantee Vermonters the right to form a union and bargain collectively. Proposal 3 will appear on the November general election ballot.
The convention concluded with delegates voting to endorse 50 candidates for statewide, legislative, and county offices. Candidates completed a comprehensive questionnaire that was reviewed by the Vermont AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education (COPE) before delegates nominated and voted on the organization's first round of endorsements.
“Our 2026 convention marked our 60th anniversary, and we are committed to keep fighting for the working people of Vermont for another 60,” said Vermont AFL-CIO President Larry Moquin. “I'm proud our delegates committed to a strong Labor-to-Labor program to help pass Proposal 3. This is a historic opportunity to permanently protect the freedom of all working Vermonters to organize. This fall, the Vermont AFL-CIO will be knocking on doors, calling union members, and mobilizing workers across the state to support Proposal 3, while helping elect candidates who stand with working families. Together, we can push back against attacks on our freedoms and build a stronger future for Vermont’s working class.”
The Vermont AFL-CIO is an affiliation of labor unions representing over 20,000 working Vermonters.
2026 COPE Endorsements
Governor: Amanda Janoo
Treasurer: Mike Pieciak
Secretary of State: Sarah Copeland Hanzas
Auditor: Tim Ashe
State Senate:
Kesha Ram Hinsdale (Chittenden-Southeast)
Thomas Chittenden (Chittenden-Southeast)
Rose Lucenti (Orange)
Tanya Vyhovsky (Chittenden-Central)
Martine Larocque Gulick (Chittenden-Central)
Nikhil Goyal (Chittenden-Central)
Ann Cummings (Washington)
Anne Watson (Washington)
Andrew Perchlik (Washington)
Chris Dube (Windsor)
Alexander Bobella (Franklin)
Nader Hashim (Windham)
Ruth Hardy (Addison)
Hannah Sessions (Addison)
Irene Wrenner (Chittenden North)
State House:
Kate McCann (WAS-3 - Montpelier)
Jared Duval (WAS-3 - Montpelier)
Leanne Harple (ORL-4 - Glover)
Lance Mills (ORA-2 - West Fairlee)
Brian Cina (CHI-15 - Burlington)
Dylan Morse (WDR-1 - Hartland)
Jeffrey Peterson (CHI-16 - Burlington)
Teddy Waszasak (WAS-3 - Barre City)
Sonya Spaulding (WAS-3 Barre City)
Emilie Krasnow (CHI-9 - South Burlington)
Mark Yuengling (WDR-2 - Weathersfield)
Matt Gile (CHI-21 - Winooski)
Adam Franz (CHI-14 - Burlington)
Audrey Grant (CAL-2 - Hardwick)
Caroline Bright (FRA-1 - Georgia)
Brian Minier (CHI-11 - South Burlington)
Michelle Bos-Lun (WDH-3 - Westminster)
Emily Wheeler Reynolds (Was-Ora)
Phoebe Tucker (WDR-RUT - Ludlow)
Emilie Kornheiser (WDH-7 - Brattleboro)
Jubilee McGill (ADD-5 - Bridport)
Xavier Stevens (Orleans-2 Newport City)
Lucas Herring (WAS-1 - Northfield)
Rey Garofano- (CHI-23 Essex Town)
Julia Andrews- (CHI-25 Waterford)
Jeff Haylon- (RUT-9 Brandon)
Henry Bonges- (CHI-FRA Milton)
David Tucker (CAL-1 Waterford)
County Offices:
Vince Illuzzi (Essex County State’s Attorney)
Zach Weight (Franklin County State’s Attorney)
Doug DiSabito (Grand Isle County State’s Attorney)