Abstract

The subject of this Independent Study is labor union endorsements in state legislature primary elections. Specifically, I examine the effectiveness of these endorsements in garnering votes for the endorsed candidates in state-level primary elections. There is a gap in the literature on this subject, but similar areas have been heavily studied. Research has shown that union endorsements do positively impact candidates in US Congressional races and Democrats are most likely to benefit from this type of endorsement. Given this, I hypothesize that DFL candidates that receive an endorsement from a labor union will receive a greater vote share than DFL candidates without the endorsement. To test this, I take a mixed- methods approach, utilizing an interview, a survey, and an analysis of recent elections. While I found support for my hypothesis in the election data, survey analysis demonstrated a lack of direct influence for union endorsements in primary elections in Minnesota. Due to the specific subject chosen, my hypothesis was given the best chance at success. Further research expanding this design to other states will be able to make stronger conclusions.

Advisor

Muñoz, Avi

Department

Political Science

Disciplines

American Politics

Keywords

Labor Unions, Political Endorsements

Publication Date

2022

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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