Michigan Union Household Survey Results
RE: Michigan Union Household Survey Results
From: Coalition to Protect American Workers (CPAW)
Survey Conducted: February 9-10, 2026
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
New polling of Michigan union household members reveals a striking political opportunity: even the most traditionally Democratic-aligned voters support a labor reform agenda. This isn't a partisan issue, it's a fairness issue. And in swing states like Michigan, where races are decided on the margins, these findings prove that votes are up for grabs when candidates talk about protecting workers from bad union bosses.
The bottom line: Union households distinguish between unions that serve workers and union leadership that serves itself.
KEY FINDINGS: UNION HOUSEHOLD VOTERS SUPPORT CANDIDATES WHO BACK LABOR REFORM
Voters appreciate their unions, but hate leadership overreach.
The polling reveals a critical paradox that opens the door for a candidate with a pro-reform agenda. Union household members are proud of the American labor system (76% say American workers have more freedoms than workers anywhere else in the world) yet they strongly oppose the specific tactics that union bosses use to consolidate power and manipulate workplace organizing. A commanding 65% of union households want Congress to overturn policies that allow union leaders to pressure workers into voting without a secret ballot. This includes 68% of Democrats.
Similarly, 58% want to overturn the ability of union bosses to stall scheduled elections if they know they are about to lose. Here again, we see bipartisan consensus: 58% of Democrats, 59% of Republicans,
While voters appreciate the role unions play in giving workers a collective voice, they draw a bright line at manipulation, pressure tactics, and procedural gamesmanship. They want democracy in the workplace, which means secret ballots, fair elections, and transparent processes.
Democrats and Independents support reforms
This is not a Republican-only issue. The Coalition to Protect American Workers (CPAW) reform agenda has bipartisan and cross-ideological appeal. On the question of overturning policies that allow union leaders to pressure workers into voting without a secret ballot, we see extraordinary cross-partisan support. Among Democrats, the party traditionally aligned with institutional labor, 68% support overturning card check provisions. Even self-identified Democrats and union households who voted for Kamala Harris overwhelmingly support these reforms.
Michigan races are competitive and movable
44% of union voters say they'd be more likely to support candidates backing labor policies that empower union leaders, but 36% say less likely and a critical 20% are genuinely unsure - that's the moveable middle that will decide close races.
53% of our union household voters who described themselves as “Very Liberal” are supportive of a pro-union congressional candidate, as are 58% of those who consider themselves “Very Conservative”. This puts labor reform as a potential bridge issue for prospective congressional candidates, one that is winnable for Republicans and defendable for Democrats.
Our data suggest that if candidates are willing to speak directly to union household concerns about overreach, they can appeal to a unique sector of voters. Partisan allegiances are softening. Issue-based voting is rising. And on the specific issue of labor reform, persuadable voters across Michigan are waiting to hear which candidates will side with workers over bosses.
CONCLUSION: VOTES ARE UP FOR GRABS
In Michigan, union households are not a monolith. They are persuadable, thoughtful voters who care deeply about fairness, transparency, and worker empowerment.
Our polling shows that even longtime Democrats, including ones who voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, and union members support our reforms when they understand what's at stake. Candidates who embrace this message can win swing voters, expand their coalition, and protect American workers from the excesses of unaccountable union bosses.
The message is clear: Stand with workers.
METHODOLOGY
A survey of N = 200 Union Household Members in Michigan, with +/- 6.9% MoE conducted between February 9 – 10, 2026.