Michele Mulroney has been elected as the new president of the Writers Guild of America West (WGA West), running unopposed for the union's highest position. Mulroney, who previously served as the vice president, will succeed Meredith Stiehm, who is termed out after four years in the role. Her election comes at a crucial time as the WGA prepares for significant contract negotiations with major studios next year, marking the first time since the extensive 148-day strike in 2023.

In her campaign statement, Mulroney underscored two primary commitments: safeguarding the writers’ health plan and confronting the pervasive issue of "free work." The health plan, she noted, has not been a central focus since 2017. With rapidly escalating healthcare costs and diminished contributions to the plan due to industry contraction, Mulroney emphasized the critical need for "smart moves" to sustain the high standard of care and benefits that members have painstakingly fought to secure.

The "free work" practice, which involves requiring multiple drafts from writers before a "first draft" is officially submitted, has been a long-standing concern for Mulroney, a film writer by profession. While the union achieved progress on this front in 2023 by guaranteeing a paid "second step" for writers below a certain income threshold, Mulroney highlighted that the issue has now permeated the television sector and demands urgent attention in upcoming discussions.

Alongside Mulroney’s election, other key leadership positions were filled. Travis Donnelly was elected as the new vice president, and Peter Murrieta was elected secretary-treasurer. Eight additional members were elected to the WGA West board: Molly Nussbaum, Mike Royce, Maggie Levin, Rob Forman, Adam Conover, Matt Ross, Myles Warden, and Marguerite MacIntyre. Cathryn Humphris, who finished ninth, was elected to a one-year term to fill Donnelly's vacated position.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the body that bargains on behalf of the studios, extended its congratulations to President Mulroney. An AMPTP spokesperson stated their anticipation of "working closely with President Mulroney to address key issues for WGA writers and to strengthen our industry with fair, balanced solutions." A total of 2,567 ballots were cast in the election, reflecting the engagement of the WGA West membership.