Union Iron Worker Launches Congressional Bid Against Trump Loyalist in Ohio
Brian Poindexter, a five-term local councilman and apprenticeship instructor at Ironworkers Local 17, has entered the Democratic primary for Ohio's 7th congressional district. He aims to challenge incumbent Max Miller, a staunch Trump supporter, in the 2026 midterm elections. This move is part of a broader trend of union members stepping into political races as the Democratic party strives to regain control of the House of Representatives.
A Working-Class Candidate Emerges
Poindexter, who grew up in a union household in Cleveland, Ohio, is positioning himself as a working-class alternative to Miller's wealthy background. His father was a machinist represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and his grandfather was a unionized auto worker. After high school, Poindexter worked various jobs before landing an apprenticeship and later earning an associate's degree from Cuyahoga Community College. He became a union organizer, where he says he witnessed how laws often disadvantage working people.
In an interview, Poindexter emphasized economic issues, stating, "People are working harder and harder. We're getting less and less, and we're bearing more of the burden. I want an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy—one that rewards work, not just wealth." His campaign focuses on workers' rights, contrasting with Miller's voting record, which includes opposition to the PRO Act and a 14% lifetime score from the AFL-CIO on labor issues.
The Incumbent and the District Dynamics
Max Miller, a former aide in the Trump administration, won the seat in 2022 with Trump's endorsement. He has promoted baseless claims about the 2020 election and criticized his predecessor for voting to impeach Trump after the January 6 insurrection. Miller's grandfather was a co-chair emeritus of Forest City Realty Trust, a real estate firm involved in a multi-billion dollar acquisition. Poindexter accuses Miller of being inaccessible to constituents, citing lack of town halls and unresponsive office communications.
The Ohio 7th district is rated +5 in favor of Republicans by the Cook Partisan Voting Index, making it a key target for Democrats. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has identified it as one of three Ohio districts to focus on in 2026. Poindexter faces a competitive primary on May 5, with seven other candidates including former Cuyahoga county executive Ed Fitzgerald and former Olmsted Falls mayor Ann Marie Donegan.
Broader Trend of Union Candidates in 2026 Midterms
Poindexter is among several union members launching congressional campaigns ahead of the 2026 midterms. Others include Sam Forstag, a union leader for US Forest Service workers in Montana; Kaela Berg, a flight attendant and union member in Minnesota; and Bob Brooks, a firefighter union leader in Pennsylvania. This surge reflects an effort by Democrats to mobilize labor support and address economic concerns like affordability, jobs, and growth.
As the race heats up, Poindexter criticizes Miller's priorities, such as authoring a bill to make gambling losses tax deductible, calling it out of touch with everyday struggles. With the midterms approaching, this contest in Ohio could signal shifting political tides and the growing influence of labor voices in American politics.
