UAW Election Set: Iowa Workers to Vote on Region 4 Leadership
The United Auto Workers has locked in its candidates for the upcoming fall election, and Iowa workers will have a direct say in who leads their region. Three candidates are vying for the UAW Region 4 director seat, which represents Iowa and 11 other states. The election takes place under strict federal oversight following a corruption scandal that sent previous union leaders to prison.
The UAW concluded its 39th Constitutional Convention in Detroit on Thursday, finalizing the nominations for regional directors. The convention, held every four years, is where the union amends its constitution and debates its future direction. This year, the focus was firmly on accountability and returning power to the membership.
Who is running for UAW Region 4 director?
Region 4 covers a massive stretch of the Midwest and Great Plains, including Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri. The regional director acts as a critical link between local union members and the international executive board, bringing local concerns to the top leadership.
Iowa UAW members will see three names on their ballot for Region 4 director:
- Richard Glowacki
- Lucas DeSpain
- James Dumas
Why does a federal monitor oversee the UAW election?
Accountability is the centerpiece of this year's election cycle. Because of a past corruption scandal that resulted in several former UAW leaders serving prison time, the union changed its election practices. A federal judge approved an agreement that mandates an independent watchdog oversee the process to root out corruption and ensure fair elections.
Neil Barofsky, the court-appointed monitor, is currently vetting all candidates through a confidential process. This vetting includes state and federal background checks and a review of any disciplinary records within the UAW. The monitor has the authority to request additional files, interview candidates, and even consult with the U.S. Department of Justice before clearing anyone to run. The monitor's oversight is set to conclude in 2027.
How will the UAW election work this fall?
For decades, union leaders were elected through a delegate-based system at the convention, a structure that allowed corruption to flourish away from the membership's view. Now, power rests directly with the workers. Every UAW member will receive a ballot by mail in late August. Members must return their ballots before October 5. Votes will be counted on October 6 at a yet-to-be-announced tabulation site by the monitor's team.
Current UAW President Shawn Fain is seeking to maintain his hold on the union, but the shift to direct elections means rank-and-file members ultimately decide who leads them.
What other UAW positions are on the ballot?
Alongside the regional directors, the union finalized nominations for its top executive positions on June 17. The five highest positions include the president, three vice presidents, and the secretary-treasurer. All candidates must also pass the monitor's background check process before they are officially certified to run.
Other regional director races include contested elections in Region 1 (eastern Michigan), Region 1D (Upper Michigan), Region 2B (Ohio and Indiana), and Region 9 (New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania). Directors in Region 1A, Region 6, Region 8, and Region 9A are running unopposed.