Teamsters Union Withholds Presidential Endorsement for First Time Since 1996
In a surprising move, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the most powerful labor unions in North America, has chosen not to endorse a U.S. presidential candidate for the 2024 election. This marks the first time since 1996 that the union, which represents 1.3 million members across the U.S. and Canada, has opted out of backing either the Democratic or Republican nominee.
The decision comes after the union voiced frustration over receiving “few commitments on key Teamsters issues” from both Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and Donald Trump, the Republican contender. Despite conducting internal polls, which indicated significant support for Trump among union members, the union found no overwhelming majority in favor of either candidate.
This move deals a blow to the Harris campaign, as the support of the Teamsters could have energized working-class voters in swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, all of which are crucial in the upcoming election. Despite the national union’s neutral stance, several regional Teamsters councils—representing over half a million members—have thrown their support behind Harris.
The Harris campaign responded by highlighting its support from the broader labor movement, emphasizing that many local Teamsters chapters are rallying behind her. “While Donald Trump suggests firing striking workers, Kamala Harris has stood with organized labor her entire career, even joining picket lines,” stated campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt.
Historically, the Teamsters’ membership has been politically diverse, comprising freight drivers, warehouse workers, and airline pilots, among others. Under the leadership of Sean O’Brien, who took the reins in 2022, the union has made overtures to Republicans, notably populist figures such as Senators Josh Hawley and JD Vance. O’Brien even met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago earlier this year, sparking speculation that the union might endorse the former president.
However, despite these overtures, O’Brien has remained critical of Trump, particularly after the former president, alongside Elon Musk, made controversial comments suggesting that striking workers should be fired. O’Brien’s appearance at the Republican National Convention (RNC) was another historic first for the Teamsters, as no previous president had ever addressed the RNC. Yet, even during his prime-time speech, O’Brien stopped short of endorsing Trump.
The union has maintained its relationships with Democrats, hosting meetings with Harris and President Joe Biden. However, O’Brien’s efforts to extend the union’s political reach have caused some internal division. The Teamsters National Black Caucus and several local chapters have publicly endorsed Harris, breaking with the national leadership.
Despite these divisions, the union’s decision to remain neutral reflects a broader dissatisfaction within its ranks. Even though internal polls showed Trump with a significant lead over Harris, the Teamsters’ official stance emphasizes that no candidate has garnered enough unified support among its members.
As election day approaches, the absence of a Teamsters endorsement will leave both campaigns strategizing how to win over union members in critical battleground states.
