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), has convincingly won his re-election bid, securing over 68% of the vote in the union's leadership election. The campaign period was marked by allegations of corruption and election interference. Fain's main challenger, Rich Boyer, garnered only around 13% of the vote. As of the latest count on Friday, Fain had received more than 68% of the votes.
The union's members have expressed their support for Fain, with their desire for the union to continue fighting and advancing their accomplishments. Fain outlined his priorities for the upcoming contract negotiations with John Deere, Volvo, and General Dynamics Land Systems in 2027, as well as the expiring contracts with the "big three" automakers - General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis - in 2028.
He emphasized their fight against "corporate America" and the need to address wealth inequality in America. In July 2026, the DOJ launched an investigation into Fain over allegations of pressuring Boyer for benefits and retaliating against Boyer when he refused to cooperate. Fain denied these allegations, insisting they were attempts to interfere with the election.
Fain, a reform candidate, was first elected as UAW president in March 2023. He has faced criticism from the union's independent monitor, Neil Barofsky, accusing him of weaponizing the monitor and pressuring him over the UAW's resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. During his presidency, Fain led the union through a six-week strike in September-October 2023 at General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, criticizing corporate greed due to stock buybacks and record profits.
Joe Biden joined the union picket line during the strike, making him the first sitting president to do so.
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