UFCW Local 371 Endorses Larson for Congress

Unions continue to rally behind Larson, reject corporate billionaire-backed Bronin and his record, described by labor leaders as “union-busting” to “consolidate power”

Hartford, CT — Today, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 371 announced its endorsement of John Larson for re-election to Congress, citing his unrelenting fight for the workers and working families of the First District. UFCW Local 371 is now the 37th labor union to rally its support behind Larson, with more to come.

UFCW Local 371 represents over 8,000 workers in food retail, food manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. Their endorsement adds to Larson’s massive wall of progressive and labor support, which far outpaces that of any other candidate in this race.

“John Larson has been a steadfast champion for working families, consistently standing with union members to protect good jobs, fair wages, and safe workplaces,” said Brian Truini, President of UFCW Local 371. “His voting record speaks for itself, and we never have to question where he stands. UFCW Local 371 is proud to endorse John Larson for Congress because he understands the value of a union contract and has a proven record of fighting for the rights and dignity of Connecticut’s working men and women.”

“I’ve never forgotten where I come from. That’s why I will always stand up for workers and working families against the corporate billionaire class,” said Congressman Larson. “We’re on the frontlines fighting Donald Trump, Elon Musk, DOGE, and ICE. This district’s workers deserve a representative who actually understands their struggles and will fight for them tooth and nail. I’m deeply honored to earn the endorsement of UFCW Local 371.”

The massive wall of labor support behind Larson, which includes the influential Working Families Party, highlights the glaring contrast in the race and draws attention to the  billionaire dark-money network attempting to wipe out progressives and replace them with corporate Democrats like Bronin. Bronin was even on the payroll of one of the billionaires behind the network. 

Labor power tanked Bronin’s failed gubernatorial bid in a harsh rebuke of his record. In one of his first moves as mayor, Bronin demanded millions in union concessions, laid off hundreds of workers and slashed benefits, and attempted to strip collective bargaining rights.

By contrast, Larson received a 100% voting score from AFL-CIO in 2025 and holds a 98% lifetime score. He is the author of the Social Security 2100 Act and a cosponsor of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, the No Tax Breaks for Union Busters Act, and the Empowering Striking Workers Act.

Larson’s endorsements continue to far outpace any other candidate:

• Federal & State Leadership: The entire CT Congressional Delegation, U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Brendan Boyle, Rep. Richie Neal, Rep. Lauren Underwood, Congressman Pablo José Hernández (PR), CT Attorney General William Tong, and over a dozen state legislators, including House Majority Leader Jason Rojas.

• Local Leaders: Mayors and First Selectmen from Colebrook, East Hartford, Manchester, Bloomfield, Middletown, South Windsor, and Windsor Locks, and DTC chairs and vice chairs across the district.

• Advocacy Giants: Working Families Party, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Reproductive Freedom for All, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Brady PAC, Stop Gun Violence, and Defend The Vote.

• Labor Power: Larson’s support from labor is unparalleled in this race. Over three dozen unions plus the Working Families Party have now rallied behind Congressman Larson, citing his unrelenting fight for the working families of the First District:

1. UFCW Local 371
2. SEIU Local 1199
3. AFSCME Council 4
4. Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
5. ATU Local 425 Hartford
6. American Federation of Teachers (AFT) CT
7. International Association of Machinists (IAM)
8. IAM District 26
9. IAM Local Lodge 1746 East Hartford
10. IAM CANEL Lodge 700 Middletown
11. Connecticut State Council of Machinists
12. AFGE Local 2138
13. AFGE Local 1674 
14. AFGE Local 1164
15. NAGE/IBPO Local R1-109
16. International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) 
17. Sheet Metal Workers Local 40
18. CT Building Trades Council
19. Greater Hartford Building Trades
20. International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
21. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
22. International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers)
23. International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)
24. International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC)
25. Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA)
26. United Association – Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs (UA)
27. United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers (Roofers)
28. International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)
29. International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (Insulators)
30. International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW)
31. Alliance for Retired Americans
32. Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans 
33. Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA)
34. CSEA-SEIU Local 2001
35. UNITE HERE! International Union
36. UNITE HERE! Local 217
37. UNITE HERE! Local 34