UAW president Shawn Fain wins re-election with more than 68% of vote

Shawn Fain has won re-election as president of the United Auto Workers, defeating his closest challenger, Rich Boyer.

As of Friday evening, Fain had secured more than 68% of the vote, while Boyer had just over 13%. Thirteen additional candidates from Fain’s United UAW slate also won their elections.

Election follows allegations

Mail ballots for the union’s four-year leadership election were sent beginning in late August 2026, and vote counting began on October 6. The campaign was marked by allegations of corruption and election interference.

In July 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice announced an investigation into Fain. He has been accused of pressuring Boyer to provide benefits to Fain’s fiancée and sister, then retaliating after Boyer refused to cooperate. Fain denied the allegations and described them as an attempt to interfere in the election.

Fain said the result showed that UAW members wanted the union to continue its work. He pointed to contract negotiations with John Deere, Volvo and General Dynamics Land Systems in 2027, as well as the expiration of contracts with the three major automakers on May 1, 2028.

Fain was first elected UAW president as a reform candidate in March 2023. Under his leadership, the union conducted an approximately six-week strike from September to October 2023 at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Joe Biden joined the picket line, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so.