"Representative Ellison meets the high standard working people expect from leaders of our political parties," AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said in a statement. "He is a proven leader who will focus on year-round grassroots organizing to deliver for working families across America," he continued.
The AFL-CIO’s executive council voted overwhelmingly to endorse Ellison to lead the DNC, according to a statement from the Federation. Several candidates for the post have sought out the endorsement of the AFL-CIO, which represents 12.5 million workers and is the nation’s largest union.
The union, which endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, now endorses Ellison -- who is combating allegations of antisemitism. The Muslim-American congressman from Minnesota also is on the defensive for controversial writings from his past.