For Immediate Release: November 4, 2026
IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper issued the following statement on the results of the 2026 midterm election results:
“Last night, working Americans across the country exercised their right to vote, turning out in enormous numbers to demand a new direction for our nation. Despite efforts to intimidate, discourage, and even silence working people during this election season, Americans fought to make their voices heard and ensure every vote was counted.
“President Trump and his allies in Congress did their best to divide Americans, to pit us against one another and shine a spotlight on our differences, rather than focus on how much we have in common. In the labor movement, it’s a tactic we see often from low-road employers working to silence the voices of working people trying to make a better life for themselves.
“But last night, voters rejected those tactics and proved that America is better when its citizens recognize their shared values and speak out with a united voice to demand more from their elected officials.
“I want to thank every IBEW member who fulfilled their duty as citizens by casting a ballot, and every member who knocked on doors, made phone calls, and talked to their co-workers to turn out the union vote on Election Day.
“I also want to recognize every member who stepped up to run for public office and congratulate the scores of IBEW brothers and sisters who won last night. Electing union members at every level of government is more critical than ever, and this election marked an important step toward making sure working people have a voice in the decisions that shape their lives.
“Voters sent a clear message: Working people want government to focus on what matters most to them and their families—good jobs, affordable housing, gas, groceries, health care, and economic opportunity for every American.
“We look forward to working with the new Congress to pass legislation that will put money in workers’ pockets, increase wages, and strengthen bargaining power. Making the country more affordable also means investing in world-class infrastructure—including expanding and upgrading the electric grid—that will power American innovation for decades to come.
“As hard as we worked to make last night possible, the real work has just begun in building an economy that works for all working people. The IBEW is committed to holding every elected official accountable and putting the interests of our members, their families, and all working Americans first.”
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The IBEW represents more than 925,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.