Record Number of Workers Attend Maine AFL-CIO Worker Candidate Training

Over 50 union members and labor allies from across the state attended our 2026 Worker Candidate Training. Worker candidates in attendance included members of several different unions including the MaineState Nurses Association, Carpenters 349 & 352, Postal Workers 458, Machinists, UAW 399, IBEW 567 and 1253, Maine Education Association, Painters Union DC 35, Maine Service Employees Association (SEIU 1989), USW 900, LIUNA 327, Portsmouth Metal Trades Council and IAFF 797. They included candidates for State Senate, the State House of Representatives, city council, select board and other local offices.

We were incredibly grateful to have public officials who had graduated from previous Worker Candidate Training cohorts to provide support, feedback and advice for new candidates. They included Rep. Amy Roeder (D-Bangor), Rep. Kilton Webb (D-Durham), Rep. Matt Beck (D-So. Portland) and Bangor City Councilor Daniel Carson. Former Senate President and gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson also presented to the group.

The training provided presentations on Common Sense Economics and building movements and a culture of union members viewing themselves as candidates. On the first day, participants learned the nuts and bolts of how to run for office, qualify for Clean Elections funding, talking to voters, using voter lists, door knocking, building campaign teams, creating a policy platform, campaign strategies for difficult districts and the nuts and bolts of serving in elected office.  On the second day, worker candidates worked on creating a message and writing a stump speech, which they delivered to the full class for constructive feedback.