November 2, 2026
BROOKLYN - Organized labor gathered in force Oct. 31 to show support for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s reelection campaign and UUP was there in force, loud and proud.
Hochul, running for her second term, was met with cheers from supporters, many holding up cellphones to videotape Hochul’s speech, during her visit to the Lenox Road Baptist Church in Brooklyn’s East Flatbush neighborhood to kick off a day of canvassing by union members in Brooklyn.
More than 200 unionists from UUP, 32BJ SEIU, PEF and CSEA came out for the afternoon rally. UUP President Fred Kowal spoke at the event, along with union leaders from 32BJ and PEF.
Three UUP statewide officers—Vice President for Academics Alissa Karl, Vice President for Professionals Carolyn Kube and Membership Development Officer Patrick Romain—and Downstate Chapter President Redetha Abrahams-Nichols were also at the event.
Hochul, who spoke for about 15 minutes, commended the public sector workers who filled the room for her.
“I always honor the service of people who can go into any career they want but they want to serve their neighbors and their communities in a very profound way so know that I recognize that, I respect that,” she said.
Hochul namechecked Kowal twice during her remarks. She spoke about her achievements as governor, focusing part of her speech on higher education. She spoke of its transformative power.
“Our parents used to live in a trailer park. My dad worked in a steel plant with his father and brothers. The reason my dad and mom could get out of the trailer park, is my Dad could get an education while he was working there…and it unlocked all that potential and a whole new life for them.”
In his remarks, Kowal invoked the memory of labor leader Dolores Huerta, who died Oct. 28, and led a chant of Huerta’s signature rallying cry: “Si, se puede.” He also thanked Hochul for approving more than $1 billion to repair and modernize SUNY Downstate University Hospital, which SUNY intended to close in 2024.
“’Si se puede’ means yes we can,” Kowal said. “But it doesn’t mean anything if we’re not knocking on doors, if we’re not doing everything we can to get out the vote for our candidates.”
Kowal and other members of UUP have been canvassing throughout the state in the weeks leading up to Election Day, campaigning on behalf of candidates endorsed by the New York State AFL-CIO and NYSUT, both UUP affiliates.
Downstate Chapter members at the rally said they came out to support Hochul because of the support she has shown the union and the hospital.
Abrahams-Nichols said in addition to the support for the hospital, she likes Hochul because of her advocacy for families. Together with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the governor launched a free early childhood program for 2- and 3-year-olds. Hochul is also a champion for SUNY Reconnect, which offers free associates’ degrees for adult learners.
“Investment in education means there is less crime,” Abrahams-Nichols said. “These are all things that are important for families and Governor Hochul is for families.”
Other members reflected on what they’re thinking about as they go to the polls. Ferdinand Mindanao said he has children with disabilities and scheduling appointments with specialists.
There’s no trouble at the places where his children are established patients, Mindanao said, but trying to get appointments with new providers is challenging and usually involves traveling across boroughs.
“I’m worried about the cuts to Medicaid and Medicare with Trump as president,” he added.
Hochul’s opponent is Republican Bruce Blakeman, the County Executive in Nassau County. Hochul’s campaign has criticized Blakeman for his close ties and unwavering support of President Donald Trump. The latest polls show Hochul is up between 9 and 14 percent.