The AAUP stepped deeper into electoral politics, endorsing Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate—the first national candidate endorsement in the association’s 111-year history. The endorsement followed AAUP member approval of resolutions committing the group to a more direct role in political organizing around higher education’s interests. AAUP President Todd Wolfson said the shift recognizes that higher education and academic freedom issues have become intertwined with politics. However, critics within the organization worry the association could become identified with specific ideological politics rather than the broad academic-freedom mission. AAUP’s approach underscores a growing reality in faculty governance: legal and policy fights around academic freedom, tenure, collective bargaining, and public investment are increasingly moving into electoral arenas. The internal controversy suggests AAUP will continue to balance member unity with broader political advocacy.