The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a powerful labor union, has declined to endorse either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election, marking a significant shift in union politics.
At a Glance
- Teamsters Union withholds endorsement for both Harris and Trump
- Internal polls show Trump with an advantage among Teamsters members
- Union cites lack of serious commitments from both candidates
- Decision marks first time since 1996 Teamsters haven’t endorsed a Democrat
- Move reflects growing divide within union membership over political affiliations
Teamsters Break Tradition, Decline to Endorse
In a surprising move, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has decided not to endorse either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. This decision breaks a nearly three-decade-long tradition of supporting Democratic candidates and signals a significant shift in the political landscape of organized labor.
Teamsters President Sean M. O’Brien explained the union’s position, citing a lack of concrete commitments from both candidates. The union sought assurances on key issues such as non-interference in union campaigns and honoring workers’ right to strike, but neither Harris nor Trump provided satisfactory pledges.
Internal Divide and Member Preferences
The decision not to endorse reflects a growing divide within the union’s membership. Internal polling revealed a stark contrast in support, with nearly 60% of Teamsters members favoring Trump, compared to 34% for Harris. This disparity highlights the complex political dynamics at play within the union and the broader working-class demographic.
“Half of our members are Republicans, half of our members are Democrats. So we have to serve all of our membership equally,” said Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
The Teamsters’ decision underscores the challenges facing the Democratic Party in maintaining its traditional support base among blue-collar workers. It also indicates a potential realignment of political affiliations within union ranks, with some members prioritizing issues like gun rights, abortion, and border security over traditional labor concerns.
Candidates’ Responses and Union Expectations
Both the Harris and Trump campaigns have responded to the Teamsters’ decision. The Trump campaign celebrated the lack of endorsement as a “great honor,” interpreting it as a sign of strong support among rank-and-file members. Meanwhile, Harris’s campaign emphasized her longstanding support for organized labor and highlighted endorsements from other major unions.
“Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business,” Teamsters President Sean O’Brien said in a statement. “We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries — and to honor our members’ right to strike — but were unable to secure those pledges.”
O’Brien has suggested that this decision should serve as a wake-up call for future candidates seeking the union’s support. He emphasized the need for concrete actions and commitments that benefit working people, regardless of political affiliation.
Implications for the 2024 Election
The Teamsters’ decision not to endorse either candidate could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential race. With over 1.3 million members, the union’s support has historically been a valuable asset for Democratic candidates. The lack of endorsement may signal a broader shift in the political landscape, particularly in key battleground states where union support can be crucial.
As the election approaches, both campaigns will likely intensify their efforts to appeal to union members and working-class voters. The Teamsters’ stance serves as a reminder that neither party can take labor support for granted and that workers’ interests must be at the forefront of any successful campaign strategy.
