BUILDING TRADES RELEASE ENDORSEMENTS FOR 2026

The New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council today announced its endorsements for the 2026 General Election in the United States Senate and the New Jersey Congressional elections. Following a review and recommendation process by local councils and affiliated unions, the State Council endorsed a diverse, bipartisan slate of candidates committed to strengthening New Jersey’s workforce, economy, and infrastructure.

The Council, which represents over 150,000 members across 15 affiliated trades and 13 local building trades councils, endorsed 7 Democratic candidates, 1 Republican candidate and perhaps more significantly, the Council has withheld any endorsement in an unprecedented 5 Districts affirming its ongoing commitment to a building trades first approach to politics.

“As a Building Trades we must endorse our own slate of candidates and not beholden to any particular political party,” said Council President William T. Mullen. “We believe it’s critical to support candidates who value unity over division, and who see that the building trades are not partisan talking points. We differ from the rest of organized labor as our members live in a competitive world, we are a foundation for a strong, inclusive economy.” Mullen added.

“We are proud to support a bipartisan slate of candidates who understand the value of skilled building trades labor and share our commitment to building New Jersey’s future. These candidates recognize the importance of investing in critical infrastructure, expanding responsible energy development, supporting emerging industries such as data centers, and advancing economic growth that creates high-quality union building trades careers.”

“Our members want public officials who support fair wages, infrastructure investment, project labor agreements, and real pathways to the middle class through union apprenticeship and training. These candidates have shown they are ready to stand with us.” We look forward to working in partnership with them to continue moving New Jersey forward — because at the end of the day, all we do is build!”

NEW JERSEY STATE BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL
CANDIDATES ENDORSEMENTS 2026

U.S Senate - Cory Booker
1st Congressional District - Donald Norcross
2nd Congressional District - No Endorsement
3rd Congressional District - Herb Conaway
4th Congressional District - Chris Smith
5th Congressional District - Josh Gottheimer
6th Congressional District - Frank Pallone

7th Congressional District - No Endorsement
8th Congressional District - Rob Menendez
9th Congressional District - Nellie Pou
10th Congressional District - No Endorsement
11th Congressional District - No Endorsement
12th Congressional District - No Endorsement