DETROIT – April 10, 2025 – UNITE HERE Local 24—the statewide union representing more than 7,000 hospitality workers serving in hotels, airports, casinos and stadiums—has officially endorsed Mike Duggan for Governor of Michigan. With this early endorsement, UNITE HERE Local 24 joins more than 4,000 hardworking police and firefighters from Detroit’s public safety unions who know Duggan is the leader Michigan needs to protect workers’ rights, expand economic opportunity and deliver for families across the state.
“Mike Duggan’s involvement with the casino strike in 2023 was huge,” said Terrell George, vice president of UNITE HERE Local 24. “When you go out on strike, it’s easy to go out on strike—but it’s hard to get back in. During that time, he sat the casinos down, he sat the unions down and we worked together. Thanks to his leadership, we found a solution. Because he fought for us, I know he’ll fight for the hardworking men and women of Michigan.”
Under Duggan’s leadership, Detroit has become a sought-after destination for large-scale events and was home to a record-shattering NFL Draft in 2024. The event welcomed 775,000 attendees to the city—filling hotel rooms, restaurants and casinos and generating $161.3 million in economic impact for local Detroit-area businesses. This surge in tourism provided a significant boost for hospitality workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 24, creating thousands of hours of work and increased earnings for service industry employees.
“Mike Duggan has shown us what leadership for working people looks like,” said Nia Winston, secretary-treasurer of UNITE HERE. “From fighting for fair wages to standing shoulder to shoulder with union workers, he’s proven he understands the power of labor and the value of service workers. Our members are proud to stand with him because he’s always stood with us.”
UNITE HERE Local 24’s endorsement highlights growing labor support for Duggan and reflects his long-standing ties to the frontline workers driving Michigan’s economy. As the fourth union to endorse early, it adds to the momentum his campaign is building among labor organizations and working-class communities statewide.
“I’m honored to have the support of UNITE HERE Local 24 and the thousands of incredible workers they represent,” said Duggan. “These are the people who keep Michigan moving—from our hotels and airports to stadiums and casinos. As the state’s first independent governor, I will continue to fight for our hardworking men and women across the state and together we’ll build a stronger, fairer Michigan for all.”
UNITE HERE Local 24 joins more than 4,000 members from the Detroit Police Officers Association (DPOA), the Detroit Police Lieutenants & Sergeants Association (DPLSA) and the Detroit Fire Fighters Association (DFFA) in an early endorsement for Duggan.
To hear why the members of UNITE HERE Local 24 support Mike Duggan for governor, watch the video here.
