The Executive Council of the 12.5-million-member AFL-CIO has voted overwhelmingly to endorse Rep. Keith Ellison to lead the Democratic National Committee. Over the past few weeks, several candidates have sought the endorsement of the AFL-CIO and met personally with members of the Political Committee, which ultimately recommended the endorsement.

"Representative Ellison meets the high standard working people expect from leaders of our political parties," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. "He is a proven leader who will focus on year-round grassroots organizing to deliver for working families across America. Under his leadership, the Democratic Party will embody the values that our members stand for every day."

"The AFL-CIO knows the challenges facing America’s working families and how to speak to working Americans of all colors, genders and backgrounds," said Ellison. "I am proud to be on their side, and I am even prouder that the AFL-CIO is on mine. Workers will be central to the Democratic Party."
Many unions of the AFL-CIO have leaders as well as rank-and-file members on the DNC. However, the AFL-CIO does not have a direct affiliation with any political party, and membership includes those across the political spectrum. The endorsement of DNC chair is a reflection of the values of AFL-CIO members and the vote among their representatives.