United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain easily wins re-election
Fain was dogged by investigation but still decisively beat challenger Rich Boyer, who received just 13% of vote The president of the United Auto Workers, Shawn Fain, has easily won his re-election bid after an campaign period marred by accusations of corruption and election interference. The union’s election of leadership for a four-year term began with mail-in ballots being sent out in late…
Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), secured his re-election to the role with overwhelming support from the union's members. The election, which took place amid accusations of corruption and election interference, saw Fain receive over 68% of the votes cast. His closest challenger, Rich Boyer, garnered just 13% of the vote.
The election period began in late August 2026, with mail-in ballots being distributed. Ballot counting commenced on October 6, 2026. Fain's re-election came as the UAW prepared for contract negotiations with John Deere, Volvo, and General Dynamics Land Systems in 2027, as well as the expiring contracts with the "big three" automakers in May 2028.
Fain, who assumed the presidency in March 2023 as a reform candidate, has been the subject of a DOJ investigation since July 2026. The probe centers around allegations that he pressured Boyer to provide benefits to Fain's romantic interests and retaliated against Boyer when he refused to cooperate. Fain has denied these accusations, calling them attempts to interfere in the election.
Fain has faced criticism from the union's independent monitor, Neil Barofsky, who alleged that the monitor was used to pressure Fain over the UAW's resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Despite the controversy, Fain led the union during a six-week strike at the big three automakers in 2023, drawing attention to corporate greed and the companies' record profits.
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