SAGINAW, Mich. – Democratic State Senate candidate and Retired Sergeant Major Chedrick Greene announced endorsements this week from the Michigan Nurses Association and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, bringing the total number of labor unions supporting the first-time candidate to twenty.
With just thirteen days remaining until Election Day and absentee voting well underway, Greene is currently the only candidate in this special election to have earned any labor organization’s vote of confidence to represent Michigan’s 35th State Senate District, which has one of the highest populations of union members in the state.
In response, SgtMaj (Ret.) Greene said: “From age 18 with the Teamsters to the past 27 years with the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, I’ve taken immense pride in being a dues-paying union member. Today, that pride is matched as I think about how many of my fellow hard-working Michiganders and retirees want me — and need me — fighting for them in Lansing.”
Leaders of labor groups endorsing Greene’s campaign for MI-SD-35 have shared statements underscoring their support, including:
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.”
Ron Bieber, President, Michigan AFL-CIO: “Whether in uniform serving our country or on the front lines as a firefighter, Chedrick has spent his entire life running toward danger to protect others. That’s exactly the kind of honorable, trustworthy public servant we need in Lansing during these perilous times. With control of the Michigan Senate hanging in the balance, Michigan’s labor movement is all-in to elect him — because we know he’ll always put working people first.”
Courtney Phillips, UFCW 951 president: “We need someone in this seat who’s going to stand up for the essentials every union member counts on – lowering costs, good-paying jobs, and protecting our rights and democracy. Chedrick brings a level of experience, empathy, and integrity that is urgently needed at the state capitol. He knows what it means to show up for your community and have your coworkers’ backs.”
Labor unions endorsing Marine Veteran and Fire Captain Chedrick Greene are pictured below. The diverse coalition of leaders, advocacy groups, and labor unions coming together to elect a pro-worker, pro-education, pro-freedom working-class leader may be found here.
While Greene’s Republican opponent, Jason Tunney, does not list any endorsers on his website, Tunney is endorsed by Right to Life Michigan, an extreme organization that only backs candidates who oppose abortion even in cases of rape and incest. Tunney is largely self-funding his bid for a seat in Lansing. According to the most recently filed reports, Tunney loaned his campaign $112,500 and raised only $4,520 in the last campaign reporting period. Other than the $212,500 Jason Tunney personally loaned to his committee in the last two reporting periods, his campaign is $77,217 in the red.
A swing seat in a swing state, this special election outcome will not only determine the balance of power in the state Senate for the rest of this year, but also serve as an early bellwether of the political mood ahead of the November 2026 elections.
Michigan Senate District 35 includes portions of Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties. The special election is May 5, 2026, with absentee voting underway now