Delaware Building Trades

10/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2026

Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council Announces General Election Endorsements

WILMINGTON, Del. — The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council today announced its endorsed candidates in contested races in the Tuesday, November 3, 2026 General Election.

The endorsements announced today are limited to candidates who face an opponent in the General Election.

“Our members know who stands with us and who doesn’t,” said James Maravelias, President of the Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council. “We support people who fight for good jobs, fair wages, strong apprenticeship programs and the right of our members to go to work and earn a good living. It’s that simple. These candidates have shown us they understand what working people are up against, and they’ve earned the support of the Building Trades.”

Federal Candidates

U.S. Senator Chris C***s

U.S. Representative Sarah McBride

State Candidates

State Senator Dan Cruce

State Senator Spiros Mantzavinos

State Senator Nicole Poore

State Senator Kyra Hoffner

Branden Fletcher-Dominguez, Democratic Candidate for the 3rd Representative District

State Representative Larry Lambert

State Representative Melanie Ross Levin

State Representative Claire Snyder-Hall

State Representative Kim Williams

State Representative Sean Lynn

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council represents thousands of skilled construction professionals across Delaware. The Council and its affiliated unions advocate for good-paying jobs, strong apprenticeship programs, workplace safety, responsible development and policies that put Delaware tradespeople to work.

“We’re not interested in talk,” Maravelias said. “We want elected officials who will stand up when it counts. Our members build the schools, roads, hospitals, energy projects and infrastructure that keep this state running. We expect the people we elect to remember the men and women who put on their boots every morning and do that work.”

Maravelias added, “The Building Trades strongly support these candidates in the November 3 General Election. We want our members, their families and every Delawarean to know exactly where we stand and who has earned the support of the men and women of the Building Trades.

09/11/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council Endorses Branden Fletcher-Dominguez for State Representative in the 3rd District

Primary Election Set for September 15

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council today announced its endorsement of Branden Fletcher-Dominguez for the Delaware House of Representatives in the 3rd District, citing his strong commitment to union members, working families, and rebuilding a strong middle class in Delaware.

Fletcher-Dominguez reached out directly to the Delaware Building Trades and asked to meet with its leadership to discuss the issues facing construction workers and working families across the state. The Council came away from that meeting impressed by his passion, his knowledge of the issues, and, most importantly, his understanding of why a strong labor movement matters to working people.

"Branden came to us because he wanted to listen and because he wanted to understand the issues facing the men and women we represent," said Jim Maravelias, President of the Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council. "We were impressed. There was no dancing around the issues and no telling us what he thought we wanted to hear. Branden understands that unions give working people a voice, better wages, safer workplaces, good benefits, and a chance to build a middle-class life. He made it very clear where he stands, and we have no doubt that his passion and experience fighting for working families will serve his district and the entire state well."

Fletcher-Dominguez has spent years working in his community as an organizer and housing advocate. He has worked directly with Wilmington residents on neighborhood issues and has consistently focused on making sure working people have a stronger voice in decisions made in Dover.

The Council was particularly impressed by Fletcher-Dominguez's straightforward position on workers' rights. He unequivocally supports the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain. He understands that unions exist for one fundamental reason: to advocate for workers and make sure the people doing the work have a voice at the table.

Fletcher-Dominguez also supports the use of Project Labor Agreements on state-funded construction projects and understands that taxpayer-funded construction should create good jobs, provide opportunities for Delaware workers, and help build the skilled workforce our state will need for generations to come.

"For us, this isn't complicated," Maravelias said. "If Delaware taxpayers are paying for a project, Delaware should expect quality work, skilled workers, good wages, and jobs that allow people to support their families. Branden gets that. He understands that Project Labor Agreements are about making sure projects are built right while creating good jobs and opportunities for working people."

Fletcher-Dominguez has also committed to standing up for union members and union families while recognizing that strong labor standards help raise the bar for workers across Delaware.

"Our job is to fight for union members and the families who depend on these jobs," Maravelias said. "Branden understands that, and he also understands that when unions are strong, wages and working conditions improve across the board. He is not going to sell out working people to interests that profit by driving down wages or weakening worker protections. He knows who he is going to Dover to fight for. That matters to us."

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council proudly endorses Branden Fletcher-Dominguez for the Delaware House of Representatives in the 3rd District and encourages voters to support him in the Democratic Primary on September 15.

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to representing the men and women who work in Delaware's construction industry. Through its affiliated local unions, the Council represents thousands of skilled construction professionals who build Delaware's schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, ports, energy infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, and other critical projects. The Council serves as a unified voice for Delaware's construction workforce and the union families who help build and power our state's economy.

09/06/2026

What is it this election cycle with people full of s**t?

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19izSvUnPK/

08/07/2026

Mind boggling that there is no more respect and dignity to the position of State Senator.

08/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council Endorses Attorney General Kathy Jennings

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council encourages voters to support Kathy Jennings in the Democratic Primary on September 15.

General Jennings understands the values of working people. She was raised in a union household by her grandfather, a carpenter, and she has carried that understanding into public service.

She has stood with Delaware workers in Dover, including in the fight against worker misclassification and workplace fraud. She supports Project Labor Agreements and has pledged to use the Attorney General’s Office to hold accountable contractors and businesses that cheat workers, evade taxes, and undercut responsible employers.

“Attorney General Jennings knows that Delaware workers and honest contractors deserve a level playing field,” said Jim Maravelias, President of the Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council. “There are contractors out there who want all the benefits of doing business in Delaware while they cheat their workers, lie about who is on the payroll, avoid their taxes, and underbid companies that follow the law. They steal work from responsible contractors and they steal from every Delaware taxpayer. That is not competition—it is fraud. Kathy Jennings understands that, and she is committed to going after them.”

“The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council is proud to support Attorney General Jennings,” the Council said. “She shares our commitment to fair competition, skilled construction workers, and protecting working families from those who abuse the system.”

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to representing the men and women who work in Delaware’s construction industry. Through its affiliated local unions, the Council represents thousands of skilled construction professionals who build Delaware’s schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, ports, energy infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, and other critical public works projects.

Unlike contractor associations, which represent construction companies, the Council is the unified voice of Delaware’s construction workforce and the working families who power the state’s economy.

08/01/2026

Helping our Union brother get reelected. Being primaried by the ABC.

07/31/2026

07/31/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council Endorses Congresswoman Sarah McBride

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council today announced its endorsement of Congresswoman Sarah McBride for reelection to the United States House of Representatives.

Congresswoman McBride has made it a priority to regularly attend Trades Council meetings—not for pictures, publicity, or fanfare, but to have real conversations with Delaware’s union construction workers. She comes to listen, understand what is working, learn what needs to be improved, and hear directly about the challenges facing working families and the construction industry.

“Sarah McBride understands that supporting union families means showing up, listening, and doing the work,” said Jim Maravelias, President of the Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council. “She does not treat the Trades as a photo opportunity or come to our meetings only when she needs something. She comes because she genuinely wants to hear from the people who build Delaware and because she understands that our members and their families deserve a strong voice in Congress.”

Since taking office, Congresswoman McBride has stood with working people. She voted to restore collective bargaining rights for civilian employees of the Department of Defense after those rights were taken away. She also opposed legislation that would have cut critical programs, weakened the economic security of working families, and rewarded corporations that move jobs overseas. Her record has also received favorable recognition from other labor organizations, including a 100 percent rating on the Communications Workers of America’s 2025 congressional scorecard.

Congresswoman McBride’s commitment to union families reflects the same kind of personal connection that Delawareans have long recognized in Joe Biden. Like President Biden, she understands that organized labor is not simply another interest group. Unions give working people a fair chance to earn a good living, raise a family, buy a home, and retire with dignity. She understands that when unions are strong, communities are stronger—and when working people are respected, Delaware moves forward.

“Sarah McBride has earned this endorsement by being present, accessible, and willing to listen,” Maravelias said. “She understands that the future of Delaware depends on good jobs, strong communities, and an economy that works for working people—not just those at the top. The Trades Council is proud to stand with her.”

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to representing the men and women who work in Delaware’s construction industry. Through its affiliated local unions, the Council represents thousands of skilled construction professionals who build Delaware’s schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, ports, energy infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, and other critical public works projects. Unlike contractor associations that represent the interests of construction companies, the Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council is the only unified voice representing Delaware’s union construction workforce and the working families who build our state.

07/31/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council Endorses U.S. Senator Chris C***s

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council today announced its endorsement of United States Senator Chris C***s. The Council believes Senator C***s has consistently supported working families, good-paying jobs, and investments in Delaware’s infrastructure and economy. The Council will work to support Senator C***s in the upcoming election.

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to representing the men and women who work in Delaware’s construction industry. Through its affiliated local unions, the Council represents thousands of skilled construction professionals who build Delaware’s schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, ports, energy infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, and other critical public works projects. Unlike contractor associations that represent the interests of construction companies, the Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council is the only unified voice representing Delaware’s union construction workforce and the working families who build our state.

07/24/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council Endorses David Tackett for Recorder of Deeds

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council today announced its endorsement of David Tackett for New Castle County Recorder of Deeds.

Tackett is a lifelong New Castle County resident, the current County Councilman representing District 11, and a longtime Amtrak employee. He has previously served as president, vice president, and financial secretary of IAM Local 1284.

His experience in public service, the labor movement, and the private sector makes him the right choice to lead the Recorder of Deeds office.

The Recorder of Deeds is responsible for maintaining the official records of land transactions, mortgages, deeds, and property ownership in New Castle County. These records are the legal foundation of every home and property in the county. The office needs a leader who will protect those records, improve public access, prevent fraud, and make the system work better for residents, businesses, and families.

“David Tackett understands public service, accountability, and the importance of doing a job the right way,” the Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council said. “He has spent his career serving the public, working with people, and making sure important systems operate properly. His labor background also gives him a clear understanding of the value of unions, fair treatment, and respect for working people.”

As a County Councilman, Tackett has worked to improve public safety, protect open space, expand services for seniors, and remain accessible to the residents he represents. He has also served on the New Castle County Planning Board and been active in community organizations throughout the county.

The Council believes Tackett will bring the same focus and responsibility to the Recorder of Deeds office. He has pledged to modernize the office, improve online access, protect property records from fraud, and make government more open and responsive.

“David Tackett has the experience, work ethic, and commitment to serve New Castle County well,” the Council said. “He understands that government should work for the people. The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council is proud to endorse him and encourages voters to support David Tackett for Recorder of Deeds.”

The Democratic Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to representing the men and women who work in Delaware’s construction industry. Through its affiliated local unions, the Council represents thousands of skilled construction professionals who build Delaware’s schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, ports, energy infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, and other critical public works projects. The Council is the unified voice of Delaware’s construction workforce and the working families who help power the state’s economy.