Greene’s first labor union endorsements since his primary win cement the Marine Veteran and Fire Captain as the leader working Michiganders want for their voice in Lansing
SAGINAW, MI – Today, Retired Sergeant Major Chedrick Greene announced endorsements from United Auto Workers Region 1D and the Michigan Education Association in his campaign for Michigan’s 35th State Senate District. They bring the total number of labor unions supporting the first-time candidate to sixteen.
In response, Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Greene said: “As a dues-paying union member for 31 years, I am profoundly grateful and honored to be endorsed by these two longtime, iconic fighters for Michigan’s working families. UAW and MEA members trust me to deliver the pro-education, pro-worker Senate Majority that hinges on our special election, and they know I’ll fight relentlessly for fair wages and better working conditions that prioritize everyone’s safety and success.”
UAW and MEA Leaders shared statements underscoring their support for Greene:
Steve Dawes, Director, United Auto Workers Region 1D: “Chedrick is the fighter we need now. A working-class leader and trusted public servant for decades, he’s going to be a reliable ally for Michigan workers. On the core issues for middle and working-class families— better jobs and pay, keeping us safe, and protecting our rights— Chedrick will always have our backs.”
Ed Clements, President of MEA local Bay City Education Association: “Teachers, faculty and support staff in the Saginaw-Bay City-Midland area need a state senator who champions greater investments in every level of public education, so that students and educators have the necessary tools to succeed. Chedrick Greene is that leader. He will work every day to put our students and school employees first by reducing class sizes, expanding pre-K programs, making college and other post-secondary training affordable for all, and improving educator pay and respect so we can recruit and retain excellent public servants to educate Michigan students.”
The MEA and UAW workers are the latest in a growing coalition backing Greene — particularly significant in a district with one of the highest populations of union workers and retirees in the state. To date, 31-year union member Greene is the only candidate to have earned labor’s public vote of confidence to represent the pivotal, mid-Michigan swing district.
Earlier this month, Greene won the Democratic nomination for this office with over 60 percent of the vote in a six-way primary — more than double the second-place vote total. In another sign of strength for the Marine Veteran and Fire Captain, Senate District 35 voters cast nearly 8,400 more ballots for Democrats than Republicans in their respective primaries for this open seat.
Chedrick Greene carries the endorsement of the 35th District’s former state Senator and current Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet. The campaign to fill the seat previously held by McDonald Rivet is drawing statewide and national attention. With Michigan Democrats currently holding a 19-18 majority, the race will determine the balance of power in the state Senate for the rest of this year. A swing seat in a swing state, this special election outcome will also be an early bellwether of the political mood ahead of the November 2026 elections.
All labor unions backing Chedrick Greene, along with notable advocacy groups, community leaders, and elected officials from each of the district’s three counties serving at municipal, county, state, and federal levels, may be found at: https://chedrickgreene.com/endorsements/
Born and raised in Saginaw, Sergeant Major (Ret.) Chedrick Greene is a decorated, 30-year Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 31-year union member, and currently serves as Fire Captain in his 27th year with the City of Saginaw Fire Department. He recently worked as District Assistant for the 35th Senate District office, representing then-state Senator McDonald Rivet and serving as a liaison with constituents. In March 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Greene to serve a two-year term on the Statewide Housing Partnership under the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
A lifelong resident with deep community roots and the leadership needed to help Lansing work better for working families, Chedrick Greene is running for State Senate District 35 to make life more affordable, safe and free in mid-Michigan.
Michigan Senate District 35 includes portions of Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties. The special election is May 5, 2026, with absentee voting beginning 40 days earlier.
Chedrick Greene shares campaign priorities with State Rep. Amos O’Neal, union members, and community supporters at November 25, 2025 press conference at Saginaw’s UA Local 85