AFL-CIO Exhibits Near 100% Legislative Alignment with Democrats Amidst Conservative Scrutiny

Washington D.C. – The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the nation's largest federation of unions, is facing renewed scrutiny over its substantial political spending and strong alignment with progressive causes, prompting questions about potential alienation of its diverse membership. U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) recently highlighted this concern, stating in a social media post, "> AFL-CIO is a labor union. By funding far-left political causes, it’s likely alienating a substantial portion of its own membership. So why do this?"

Data from OpenSecrets, a non-partisan research group, indicates that the AFL-CIO engages in significant political contributions and lobbying efforts, predominantly favoring Democratic candidates and progressive policies. This alignment is further underscored by recent analyses, such as one from People's World, which revealed that in 2023, Democratic lawmakers exhibited a near 100% voting record in agreement with the AFL-CIO's legislative priorities, while Republicans showed minimal to zero alignment.

The union federation has solidified its progressive stance through concrete actions, including its explicit endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. This move is part of a broader strategy to counter what the AFL-CIO terms an "anti-worker agenda," particularly from conservative figures and administrations. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler recently stated that the union aims to "push back on union-busting and win for working-class families," as reported by Minnesota Reformer.

A prominent example of this strategy is the AFL-CIO's recent lawsuit, expanded in September 2025, against Elon Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE). The union alleges that DOGE's attempts to access sensitive government data, including from the Department of Labor, pose a threat to workers' privacy and rights, framing it as an attack on essential government services. This legal challenge positions the AFL-CIO against an initiative championed by conservative figures.

While the AFL-CIO maintains a clear political direction, the question of member alignment remains complex. Al Jazeera reported that while Vice President Harris holds a 7% lead among union members overall, former President Donald Trump garners support from segments of the union electorate, particularly among Teamsters members who prioritize issues like immigration. This suggests a potential divergence of political views within the broader labor movement, echoing Senator Lee's concerns about internal alienation.