The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a powerful labor union, has broken with tradition by declining to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, while internal polls show a strong preference for former President Donald Trump among its members.
At a Glance
- Teamsters union declines to endorse either Harris or Trump for 2024
- Internal polls show Trump leading Harris among Teamsters members
- Union cites lack of serious commitments from both candidates
- Decision marks departure from union’s history of endorsing Democrats
- Harris campaign emphasizes her strong pro-labor record
Teamsters Withhold Endorsement
In a surprising move, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing 1.3 million workers, has decided not to endorse either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election. This decision marks a significant departure from the union’s long-standing tradition of supporting Democratic candidates, which it has done consistently since 1992.
TEAMSTERS RELEASE PRESIDENTIAL ENDORSEMENT POLLING DATA
“For the past year, the Teamsters Union has pledged to conduct the most inclusive, democratic, and transparent Presidential endorsement process in the history of our 121-year-old organization—and today we are delivering on… pic.twitter.com/CnFNN9uosx
— Teamsters (@Teamsters) September 18, 2024
Teamsters President Sean M. O’Brien explained the union’s position in a statement, highlighting the lack of firm commitments from both candidates to support workers’ interests.
“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 M. 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.”
The union’s decision reflects a growing complexity in the relationship between labor organizations and political candidates, as well as shifting priorities among union members.
Internal Polling Favors Trump
Adding to the significance of the Teamsters’ non-endorsement is the revelation of internal polling data showing strong support for Trump among union members. An online survey indicated that 59.6% of Teamsters members favored Trump over Harris, who secured only 34% support. A phone survey yielded similar results, with Trump leading 58% to 31%.
These numbers represent a notable shift from earlier polling that showed Biden leading Trump among Teamsters members. The change in preference correlates with Harris replacing Biden as the Democratic nominee, suggesting potential challenges for the Harris campaign in securing blue-collar support.
Campaigns Respond
Both the Trump and Harris campaigns have sought to capitalize on the Teamsters’ decision. The Trump campaign, through spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, emphasized the apparent support from union members:
“While the Teamsters Executive Board is making no formal endorsement, the hardworking members of the Teamsters have been loud and clear— they want President Trump back in the White House,” Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. “These hardworking men and women are the backbone of America and President Trump will strongly stand up for them when he’s back in the White House.”
Meanwhile, the Harris campaign has emphasized the Vice President’s long-standing support for organized labor and her pro-union record. Campaign spokesperson Chris Hitt stated:
“While Donald Trump says striking workers should be fired, Vice President Harris has literally walked the picket line and stood strong with organized labor for her entire career,” Hitt said. “The Vice President’s strong union record is why Teamsters locals across the country have already endorsed her — alongside the overwhelming majority of organized labor.”
Implications for the 2024 Race
The Teamsters’ decision not to endorse either candidate, coupled with the internal polling results, could signal broader challenges for the Harris campaign in securing support from traditionally Democratic-leaning union voters. It also highlights the ongoing appeal of Trump’s message to certain segments of the working-class electorate, despite his sometimes contentious relationship with unions during his presidency.
As the 2024 campaign continues to unfold, both candidates will likely intensify their efforts to court union support, recognizing the crucial role that organized labor plays in mobilizing voters and shaping public opinion. The Teamsters’ stance serves as a reminder that neither party can take union endorsements for granted, and that the political landscape among working-class voters remains fluid and complex.
