The American Federation of Government Employees has endorsed Andrew Sneed in the Democratic primary race for Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, giving the first-time congressional candidate backing from one of the nation’s largest federal employee unions ahead of the May 19 primary.
AFGE, which represents more than 820,000 federal and Washington, D.C., government employees nationwide, includes workers from agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and Social Security Administration.
In Huntsville, AFGE Local 1858 represents approximately 10,000 federal employees working at Redstone Arsenal.
Sneed, a Huntsville plumber and former union member, is competing against Jeremy Devito and Candice Dollar Duvieilh in the May 19 Democratic primary for Alabama’s 5th Congressional District. The winner will advance to face incumbent U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) in the Nov. 3 general election.
According to the campaign, Sneed has focused his platform on lowering costs for working families, expanding access to healthcare and reforming Congress. He also founded the Take BAC Congress movement, a coalition of candidates advocating for government accountability.
AFGE District 5 National Vice President Tatishka Thomas said the union believes Sneed will advocate for working families and organized labor.
“Andrew Sneed is an Alabama native, a dedicated union member, and a leader who understands that faith, family, and the dignity of work are the bedrock of our community,” Thomas said. “It is with great honor that AFGE District 5 endorses Mr. Andrew Sneed for the U.S. House of Representatives. As a pro-labor champion, Andrew will be a tireless voice for Alabama’s 5th District and the working families who keep our country moving.”
Sneed said unions play an important role in protecting workers and supporting families, particularly in North Alabama’s large federal workforce.
“I have always been a strong supporter of unions,” Sneed said. “Not only does collective bargaining ensure good wages and benefits, but unions also fight for safe working conditions and protecting workers rights. This is especially important in North Alabama which is home to so many federal government workers. I’m proud to have the endorsement of the AFGE and look forward to partnering with them further when I am elected to Congress.”
The Democratic primary election is scheduled for May 19. Information about the campaign is available at Sneed for Congress.
