UAW President Faces Internal Challenges Ahead of Election

The president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), Sean Fein, finds himself in a precarious position as he faces criticism from more radical factions within his union. Since taking office in 2023, after a tightly contested election, Fein pledged to eliminate corruption but has since faced backlash from some members.

Fein’s ascent was aided by the support of the now-disbanded reform group, All Workers for Democracy (UAWD), which had socialist roots. However, his relationship with this group now seems strained. In particular, the World Socialist Website (WSWS) has scrutinized Fein’s leadership, indicating a divide between him and other more left-leaning candidates, like Will Lehman, who is running for UAW president in 2026.

An online forum for UAW presidential candidates revealed that Lehman, who works at Mack Trucks, criticized Fein and others for competing for control of an organization valued at $1.25 billion. During the forum, Lehman emphasized his commitment to removing bureaucracy within the union, contrasting his vision with Fein’s leadership.

As the upcoming UAW election approaches, a federal grand jury is investigating allegations that Fein may have abused his position for personal gain, specifically benefiting his fiancé and sister. Despite these claims, Fein maintains that the allegations are untrue and suggests that the federal monitor behind these accusations has a bias against him.

Some speculate that Fein may seek a more prominent political role, although he has not publicly declared such intentions yet. Meanwhile, neither UAW, WSWS, nor Lehman responded to requests for comments on these matters.

Lehman, a self-described ordinary worker, announced his candidacy with a message advocating for the removal of corrupt influences within the UAW and emphasizing workers’ power. His campaign highlights the layoffs of over 5,000 workers during Fein’s presidency, while he points out that many union officials continue to receive substantial salaries.

Interestingly, Lehman’s previous campaign for UAW leadership in 2022 was less successful, netting only 4.6% of the vote. He criticized the election process then for low engagement and called it a “sham” due to the minimal turnout.

Recently, he became the target of a disturbing incident where a paid UAW organizer posted an AI-generated image of Lehman in a threatening position, which led to disciplinary action against that individual.

Despite the turbulence, Lehman is not perceived as a significant threat to Fein’s hold on the presidency. Union leaders are navigating their own challenges, including federal scrutiny. Still, Lehman’s support from grassroots leftist circles could complicate Fein’s chances for reelection, especially given the backing he received in prior elections.

The UAWD, which aimed to reform the union and address corruption issues, dissolved in 2025 but left behind a network committed to continuing reform efforts. This ongoing struggle reflects broader tensions within the labor movement as various factions vie for influence over the direction of the union.

Fein’s leadership has seen some union mobilization, including protests against major automotive firms, but not all members feel it has resulted in genuine progress. Lehman has publicly decried the notion that recent strikes were successful, labeling them ineffective.

As this situation evolves, the dynamics within the UAW may continue to shift, especially with upcoming elections that could redefine the organization’s leadership and approach.