Houston Labor Voices Split as Texas Unions Divide on Governor’s Race

Texas labor unions are facing growing internal divisions over which candidate to support in the upcoming governor’s race, creating ripple effects for workers and political organizers across the state. For many in Houston—a major hub for organized labor in Texas—the split may influence how local members mobilize ahead of Election Day.

Several unions have already moved to endorse their preferred candidates, while others remain undecided. Some groups are aligning with established political strategies, while others are stepping away from traditional endorsements to prioritize member-driven decision-making. As the state’s political landscape continues to shift, these competing approaches have made consensus harder to reach than in previous election cycles.

Leaders who support issuing early endorsements say unions must take clear positions to advance worker-focused policies. Meanwhile, groups opting for a more cautious stance argue that Texas workers hold increasingly diverse political views, making a unified endorsement challenging.

Why the Divide Matters

Houston has one of the largest and most politically active labor communities in Texas. A fractured statewide endorsement strategy could complicate coordinated voter outreach, especially for organizations that rely on shared resources across major metro areas.

The disagreement also highlights broader questions about political engagement for Texas unions. Some leaders believe this is a moment to redefine how worker advocacy interacts with statewide politics. Others worry that mixed messaging could weaken their collective impact.

What’s Next

Union members across Houston and the rest of Texas can expect continued debate in the weeks ahead. Many organizations plan internal votes, town halls, and policy discussions before finalizing endorsements. With the governor’s race expected to draw significant attention, labor groups will likely remain at the center of Texas’ political conversation.

This article is a summary of reporting by Laredo Morning Times. Read the full story here.