Union Political Donations in 2024
Organized labor has historically been one of the most politically active sectors in the United States. During the 2024 election cycle, employees and members of unions and labor organizations contributed $44.2M to federal political campaigns, with 3,127 individual donors making itemized contributions.
Top Union-Related Employers by Political Giving
| Rank | Organization | Total Donated | Donors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nea | $28.3M | 29 |
| 2 | Seiu | $2.1M | 27 |
| 3 | Transport Workers Union OF America | $1.4M | 23 |
| 4 | Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 9 | $1.3M | 639 |
| 5 | Draftkings | $689K | 16 |
| 6 | Afscme Int'l | $564K | 197 |
| 7 | Union Square Ventures | $517K | 13 |
| 8 | Int'l Association OF Machinists | $446K | 151 |
| 9 | The Kraft Group | $444K | 8 |
| 10 | Uswa Intl | $436K | 108 |
| 11 | Union Square Hospitality Group | $419K | 6 |
| 12 | Taft Stettinius & Hollister Llp | $389K | 59 |
| 13 | Plumbers Local 1424 | $359K | 134 |
| 14 | American Postal Workers Union | $334K | 56 |
| 15 | Ibew | $323K | 79 |
Party Breakdown of Union Donations
| Party | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Democrats | $89K | 0.2% |
| Republicans | $7K | 0.0% |
| Other | $44.1M | 99.8% |
Union members overwhelmingly favor Democrats, directing $89K to Democratic candidates compared to $7K to Republicans.
Labor's Role in Campaign Finance
- Individual contributions — Union members make personal donations tracked by employer in FEC filings
- Union PACs — Unions sponsor political action committees that bundle member contributions
- Independent expenditures — Unions spend money independently on election-related activities
- Get-out-the-vote — Unions organize voter registration and turnout drives among members
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do unions donate to political campaigns?
Union-affiliated donors contributed $44.2M in itemized individual contributions during the 2024 cycle. This does not include union PAC spending or independent expenditures, which add significantly to labor's political footprint.
Do unions mostly support Democrats?
Yes. Union-affiliated donors directed $89K (0%) to Democrats compared to $7K (0%) to Republicans.
Can unions donate directly to candidates?
Unions cannot use treasury funds to make direct contributions to federal candidates. However, they can sponsor PACs that solicit voluntary contributions from members, and they can make unlimited independent expenditures.
Which union donates the most?
Members listing Nea as their employer donated the most at $28.3M from 29 individual donors.