Democracy Under Fire: Inside the Historic Election That Saved America’s Most Powerful Healthcare Union, 1199 SEIU

By: Charlie Holmes 

In 2024–2025, the nation’s largest and most influential healthcare union, 1199SEIU, faced the greatest internal test of its ninety-year history. At stake was not only the presidency of George Gresham—a civil rights icon and leader for nearly five decades—but the future of an institution representing nearly half a million frontline workers. Told from inside the election board itself, Democracy Under Fire is a gripping memoir of integrity under pressure. It captures the human drama of a mentor facing his protégé, of slates battling for the soul of the union, and of the “guardians of democracy” charged with ensuring every ballot was counted fairly. From whispered accusations and social-media storms to the moment of truth on ballot-count day, this book chronicles the high-stakes transition of power that reshaped the American labor movement. Part history, part personal journey, and part courtroom-style drama, this firsthand account offers an unflinching look at democracy in action when everything hangs in the balance. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages

• ISBN-13: 978-1-5422-2307-2

• Book Dimensions: 6 x 9