Largest state federation of labor in the country backs Gies as a champion for working people in NY-23
From Gies for Congress,
Albany, N.Y. — The New York State AFL-CIO, the largest state federation of labor in the country, representing 2.5 million union members, retirees, and their families, has endorsed Aaron Gies for Congress in New York’s 23rd Congressional District.
The endorsement was announced at the New York State AFL-CIO’s 2026 Committee on Political Education (COPE) Convention at the Albany Capital Center, where delegates representing public sector, private sector, and building trades unions gathered to endorse candidates for Congress, State Senate, and Assembly.
“We endorse these candidates with great confidence that they will fight hard on issues that will impact the lives and economic well-being of working people,” said Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO. “Through our enhanced member-to-member program, we will knock on more doors, make more phone calls, and send more texts to ensure we elect candidates who share our vision for the future.”
Gies said the endorsement reflects the central purpose of his campaign: making it possible for working people to build an affordable good life in Western New York.
“I am honored to have the support of the New York State AFL-CIO and the 2.5 million union members, retirees, and families they represent,” said Gies. “Working people built this country, and they deserve an economy that allows them to build a good life for themselves and their families.”
“Families in NY-23 are working harder than ever, playing by the rules, yet still struggling to get by,” Gies continued. “We need representatives who will fight for good jobs, strong support for our local workers, affordable healthcare, accessible housing, and an economy that works for the people who make it run.”
The New York State AFL-CIO represents 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector, and building trades unions throughout New York. Its members live and work in communities across the state, and the federation advocates for working people through grassroots organizing, political and legislative action, policy analysis, and coordinated communications.
“For me, this endorsement is about more than a political organization supporting a candidate,” said Gies. “It is about standing with the people who go to work every day to build our communities. I am proud to stand with organized labor, and I look forward to working alongside them to make a good life affordable for everyone in NY-23.”
