Why did the Teamsters union decline to endorse Trump or Harris? How could this affect the election?

The Teamsters union’s decision not to endorse either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election marks a significant deviation from their past political strategies. Traditionally a strong supporter of Democratic candidates, the union cited both candidates’ inability to meet their demands regarding key labor issues.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien stated that neither Harris nor Trump offered commitments to protect workers’ right to strike or to avoid interfering in crucial union industries. O’Brien did hold a spot at the last Republican convention, showing signs of a political leaning.

An internal poll among Teamsters reveals support for Trump

This decision follows internal polling showing strong support for Trump among the Teamsters’ membership. Around 60% of the union members backed Trump, while only 34% supported Harris. The shift is largely attributed to ongoing frustrations with inflation and a sense that the Democratic Party has distanced itself from working-class concerns, especially on cultural issues.

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The lack of an endorsement could have significant implications in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where the Teamsters have a large presence. Without the union’s active backing, Harris may face challenges in mobilizing working-class voters in these key battlegrounds.

Trump’s growing popularity among non-college-educated workers could cause Democratic support to go down in these regions, making the union’s decision a potential factor in the 2024 election outcome.