Autoworkers’ union endorsing Van Hollen in MD Senate race

The Maryland State United Auto Workers Community Action Program is endorsing Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in the contested Maryland Senate Democratic primary. 

The union is backing Van Hollen over Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) in the race to replace Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), who is retiring at the end of the year. 

Van Hollen and Edwards are locked in a contentious battle for the Democratic Senate nomination in the Old Line State. 

Van Hollen, the ranking member on the House Budget Committee and former chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, has been endorsed by several heavyweight establishment figures in the state and national Democratic parties, including Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). 

Edwards, meanwhile, has won endorsements from several liberal groups in Maryland. 

Van Hollen’s campaign touted that the UAW’s Maryland Community Action Program “represents over 15,000 active and retired members and their families in Maryland.” 

“The Maryland UAW are tireless champions for families in our state — on everything from economic security to civil rights. And I’m honored to have them standing with me in this campaign,” Van Hollen said in a statement after he appeared on a conference call with leaders of the union on Thursday afternoon to formalize the endorsement. 

“Together, we will keep fighting for higher wages, better health care, quality education, and stronger voting rights,” Van Hollen continued. 

Union leaders said their members will work hard to help Van Hollen win the Democratic Senate primary in Maryland and then elect him to the upper chamber in the fall. 

“Our union and its members in Maryland intend to do all within our power to support and advance Chris Van Hollen’s candidacy because of his commitment to Maryland’s working families,” UAW Region 8 Director Ray Curry said. 

-This story was updated with new information at 12:24 p.m.