As qualifying opens for Huntsville municipal races, organized labor in North Alabama says it is preparing to play an active role in the 2026 election cycle.
The North Alabama Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO, announced that it will engage in this year’s Huntsville City Council and Huntsville City Board of Education races, encouraging candidates who support pro-worker policies to step forward and make workers’ concerns part of their campaigns.
The labor council represents union members and working families across North Alabama. The organization said Huntsville’s local elections will have significant implications for economic development, public education, infrastructure, public services, wages and quality of life across the region.
“Working people built this city, and working people deserve a voice in where it goes next,” NAALC President Jacob Morrison said. “Organized labor is paying attention to these races, and we intend to make sure workers’ concerns are part of the conversation.”
Earlier this spring, the NAALC issued an open letter to political candidates outlining organized labor’s priorities. The letter called for leadership rooted in fairness, public investment and respect for working families.
The issues highlighted included good jobs, strong public schools, affordable housing, infrastructure, worker protections and responsible economic development.
Delegates will vote on a formal local political program during the NAALC’s June 29 business meeting. The meeting is open to the public.
The council said its election work could include candidate education, issue advocacy, member mobilization, endorsements and community outreach.
The NAALC also plans to hold a lunch and learn next month for candidates and elected officials in coordination with the North Alabama Building and Construction Trades Council. The event is intended to inform candidates and elected officials about organized labor and issues affecting workers in the region.
“We want candidates to know there are thousands of union members, retirees and working-class families who care deeply about the future of Huntsville,” NAALC Vice President Whitney Washington said. “We’re encouraging candidates who believe in standing with working people to run, to engage with us and to be part of building a stronger city for everyone.”
The organization is also encouraging union members, community allies and residents interested in labor and economic justice issues to connect with the labor council and watch for future announcements related to the municipal elections.
Huntsville’s municipal elections are scheduled for August 25, 2026.
